Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I don’t work in Family Dispute Resolution but want to do the qualification?
To meet competency requirements in the units on family domestic violence and vulnerable parties you need to have a minimum of 10 hours direct practice in these areas which is observed and verified by a third party. The course has been designed on a workplace model to maximise your learning and skills development. It is your responsibility to make your own arrangements to gain access to a workplace (either an organisation or sole practitioner) if you are not currently working in a relevant field)
2. Who can be a Workplace Coach and what is their role?
A Workplace Coach is a more experienced Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) worker who you nominate to help to guide your learning. They need to have relevant qualifications and knowledge they can share with you to enhance your skills development.
Research the Attorney-General’s Department website, http://www.ag.gov.au/, where Family Dispute Resolution services are listed. Contact your local service/s and:
Ø Enquire about the type of work they do and explore the possibility for you to undertake a work placement with them
Ø Introduce yourself and discuss your interest in, and reasons for wanting to enter into, this field of work
Ø Discuss career and employment opportunities in this field of work.
4. Do I have to do they whole course?
No – you can choose to do individual units and would receive a Statement of Attainment for each Unit completed. If you are an existing FDR practitioner you may wish to only complete the 3 compulsory units required by the Attorney-General’s Department to meet accreditation standards.
5. How long does the program take?
The program is designed to be self paced to meet your own needs, however, we recommend two years to complete the whole program.
The qualification requires you to demonstrate competency in working in family dispute resolution in the family law environment. Therefore the length of time depends on the level of experience and skills development you currently hold in family dispute resolution and family law. The minimum requirement is 10 hours; however each unit of study will require you to meet a level of competency by undertaking some of the following activities in the workplace:
Ø research policy and procedures,
Ø observe more experienced workers in their roles
Ø familiarise yourself with processes
Ø practice your skills, knowledge and learning
7. When do I have to enrol?
As the program is designed to be delivered by distance and supported in the workplace, enrolments can be received at any time.
8. Do I have to attend workshops?
No – the program is designed to allow learners to work through the units at their own pace supported by a Workplace Coach and/or Supervisor and Trainer/Assessor. However, the program can be customised to incorporate workshop supported delivery by request and on a fee - for - service basis .
9. What if I have questions relating to the content of units?
In the first instance you would be encouraged to raise these with your Workplace Coach or Supervisor. CSU Training has a number of qualified and professional Family Dispute Resolution Trainer/Assessors who will be allocated to each learner and will be available to field any enquiries, and a team of support staff can assist with general enquires relating to the program.