Dispute Mediation Service, Inc. (DMS) has traditionally accepted newly trained mediators as volunteers. These volunteers have been provided observations, co-mediations, and solo mediations. DMS staff members have been available to assist them and debrief with them following mediations. This training has been provided at no cost. To enable DMS to provide a more structured program for volunteers the following practicums are proposed.

Four practicum orientation sessions will be scheduled during the year.

Up to sixty trainees may be accepted each year in the practicum program.

A non-refundable fee of $200 will be charged for each practicum. DMS trained volunteers will continue to receive the practicums at no cost.

Practicum I Basic (prerequisites): Forty hours of basic mediation training and attendance at a DMS sponsored orientation.

This one-year course is designed to give the trainee a minimum of six (6) mediations. This may include a combination of observations, co-mediations, and solo mediations.

The trainee will debrief each mediation experience with a staff member and/or experienced mediator. One solo mediation will be observed by a staff member and/or experienced mediator.

The trainee will attend at least ten (10) hours of in-service training during the year of the practicum (including a two-hour program on mediator ethics). Cost of in-service training will be included in the practicum fee, if DMS sponsored.

Practicum II Family/Divorce (prerequisites): Forty hours of basic mediation training plus thirty hours divorce mediation training and attendance at a DMS sponsored orientation.

Requirements: Same as Practicum I.

Click Here for the Practicum Application