Family Mediation Canada is pleased to announce the implementation of the Cert.EM Standard Certification Program. This designation represents the first step towards Cert.EM Advanced certification – the gold standard in Elder Mediation Certification.
Rationale
FMC recognizes the need for a national standard in the field of elder mediation and is guided by the Elder Mediation International Network’s Code of Ethics. Specializing in issues of aging assures competency for Elder Mediators and that they have worked toward deepening their sensitivities in this important area. The goal of both FMC Elder Mediation program and the international EMIN program is to promote a consistent standard for elder mediators through certification and continuing education. The general public can be assured that FMC certified Elder Mediators are both committed and competent to work professionally and ethically in this developing field of practice.
The newly introduced Certified Elder Mediator Standard certification includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment and written exam. The new certification level is considered an entry level of Elder Mediation certification for both those newly entering the field and those family mediators currently offering an Elder Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Elder Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard certification they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.EM Advanced level which would be required for Elder Mediators to offer Elder Mediation training.
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Cert.EM Standard
The newly introduced Standard Elder Mediator certification includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment and written exam. The new certification level is considered an entry level of Elder Mediation certification for both those newly entering the field and those family mediators currently offering an Elder Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Elder Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard certification they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.EM Advanced level. The advanced level is that which includes the video role play, self-assessment and written exam. Elder Mediators who wish to offer Elder Mediation training will be required to hold the Cert.EM Advanced level of certification.
All currently certified Elder Mediators – those who have already completed a role play, self-assessment and written exam as part of their certification & were previously designated “Cert.EM” – will move to the advanced level and be entitled to use the “Cert.EM Advanced” designation.
The Cert.EM Advanced designation reflects the highest standards in education, training and experience for elder mediators. Our Certification Program embodies a comprehensive training process as well as a rigorous assessment of each Elder Mediation candidate. FMC’s Certification Program also requires on-going training.
The Elder Mediation International Network’s Code of Ethics was developed with input from around the world and continues to be the ‘gold standard’ for elder mediators. It serves as the basis for FMC’s Certification Program. This Code has been adapted to meet the unique requirements of elder mediators in Canada and throughout the world.
Certification Process
Mediators seeking certification are required to hold membership with Family Mediation Canada
Candidates on the roster to become a certified Elder Mediator will have opportunities to demonstrate their sensitivities and knowledge, empathic qualities, values, mediation skills and abilities. They will demonstrate their commitment to professional development and self-determination and enhance their learning in the general area of ageing and age-related issues, self-empowerment and self-determination while demonstrating learning in the general area of age-related issues.
The two levels of certification:
- Cert.EM Standard – includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form excluding the role play, self-assessment and written exam. For an application for Cert.EM Standard – Click here
- Cert.EM Advanced – requires the candidate to submit a video role play, self-assessment and successfully complete the written exam. For an application for Cert.EM Advanced – Click here
- Direct Cert.EM Advanced – proceed directly to the Cert.EM Advanced certification process. For an application for Direct Cert.EM Advanced – Click here
Requirements to Apply
With the two tracks for achieving the “Cert.EM Advanced” designation, (Part A and B), candidates can opt to complete the entry level of certification (Cert.EM Standard) (Part A) first, and then at some later date complete the remaining requirements (Part B) to attain the advanced designation (Cert.EM Advanced). OR a candidate can move directly to the Cert.EM Advanced process from the outset. (Direct Process). The requirements for the latter – called the Direct route in the table below – are as follows:
- Current, formal certification in basic conflict resolution and family mediation.
- Registered as a member of Family Mediation Canada
- Complete 100 hours of age-related Elder Mediation education and training in the following subject areas:
- Intergenerational dynamics, current and future profiles of seniors in Canada; family life cycle; family dynamics
- recognizing and responding to elder abuse & neglect
- knowledge of legislation relevant to elder mediation, capacity and elder abuse
- identifying and dealing with power dynamics involving and affecting older people with and without capacity
- the nature and impact of bereavement, grief and loss
- the impact of ageism, sexism and cultural diversity
- understanding dementia & age-related diseases and how to assess, manage and accommodate capacity issues
- financial & estate issues for identifying areas of concern
- ethics and ethical issues
- facilitating and writing agreements
- Advance Care Directives – Power of Attorney & Guardianship
- Experience – 5 role plays and/or actual Elder Mediation cases
- Role play recording & self-assessment (guidelines provided)
- Pass 3 hour invigilated exam
Certification fees*:
| Cert.EM Standard | Cert.EM Advanced (after Standard) | Cert.EM Advanced (Direct) | |
| Application | $175.00 | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Assessment | $125.00 | $375.00 | $525.00 |
| TOTAL | $300.00 | $550.00 | $700.00 |
*Please remember that all applicants must already be an FMC member ($140/year)
2021 Elder Mediation Annual Certification Maintenance Form
To review the Elder Mediation Code of Ethics, click here.
For more information about Elder Mediation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To find a qualified Elder Mediator in your area, click here.
To contact the Elder Mediation Committee Chair: Marie-Claire Chartrand please email [email protected]