Screening/Choosing a Mediator

Mediation is not a licensed and regulated profession. This will likely eventually change. Although, it is always wise to screen mediators for their training and experience. Along with The Mediation Council of Illinois, visit The Association for Conflict Resolution website at www.acresolution.org for a list of experienced family mediators.

Upon receiving referrals from our Referral Directory, voicemail service, or other sources, consider the following questions as you interview your prospective mediator.

1. Have you taken a basic 40-hour divorce and family mediation training approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution?

2. Have you taken advanced training beyond the 40-hour training? Have you obtained supervision? Or have you been involved in an internship program?

3. How many hours of Continuing Education in mediation and related fields do you accumulate each year? Are they specifically in family mediation? What conferences or programs do you attend?

4. What is your mediation experience? What is your style? Are you more directive or facilitative? What percentage of your practice is devoted to mediation? What other services do you provide?

5. Have you ever had an ethics complaint filed against you as a mediator or in your profession of origin? If so, what was the reason and what was the outcome?

6. Have you ever been asked to step down from a position you held in a professional organization? If so, what was the reason and what was the outcome?

7. Do you consult with other mediators on a regular basis or as needed?

8. What organizations do you belong to? The Mediation Councill of Illinois? The Association for Conflict Resolution? Are you on their referral lists?

9. Do you maintain Professional Liability Insurance for your mediation practice?

10. Do you volunteer for any mediation programs? (The Center for Conflict Resolution, National Association for Social Workers, Bar Associations, etc).