1. A 40-hour divorce and child custody mediation training program which covers the following eight components and includes at least 6 hours of role playing:

a. Information Gathering Skills and Knowledge

b. Relationship Skills and Knowledge

c. Communication Skills and Knowledge

d. Problem-Solving Skills and Knowledge

e. Ethical Decision-Making and Values Skills and Knowledge

f. Interaction and Conflict Management Skills and Knowledge

g. Professional Skills and Knowledge

h. Substantive Knowledge Base

2. 100 hours of mediation experience (solo or co-mediation) in at least 10 different cases while in consultation with an experienced mediator. One should participate in at least 15 hours of consultation.

3. At least 12 additional hours of education in substantive areas of knowledge relevant to divorce and child custody mediation.

4. Subscription to a code of ethics or code of professional conduct for mediators that is sanctioned by a recognized professional organization. In addition, mediators who are attorneys are to be guided by the Colorado Rules or Professional Conduct, when applicable.

5. Active participation in continuing education in the mediation process and in substantive areas. Continuing education can include, but is not limited to, information or knowledge gained through workshops, reading, peer consultation, video or audio tape review and lecture.

1. A 40-hour general or divorce and child custody mediation training program which covers the eight components described above in Model Alternative A, number 1, a. through h.; and includes at least 6 hours of role playing.

2. A law degree or graduate degree in one of the behavioral sciences.

3. At least 2 years of professional experience working with people who are dealing with divorce and child custody related issues.

4. If the mediation training program was a general one, supplemental education in those substantive areas of knowledge which complement one's areas of expertise. The possible areas include: the needs of children at different developmental stages; the emotional process of divorce; divorce statutes and case law; the division of property; and issues of child and spousal support.

5. 60 hours of mediation experience (solo or co-mediation) in at least 6 different cases while in consultation with an experienced mediator. One should participate in at least 8 hours of consultation.

6. Subscription to a code of ethics or code of professional conduct for mediators that is sanctioned by a recognized professional organization. In addition, mediators who are attorneys are to be guided by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, when applicable.

7. Active participation in continuing education in the mediation process and in substantive areas. Continuing education can include, but is not limited to, information or knowledge gained through workshops, reading, peer consultation, video or audio tape review and lecture.

The range of mediated disputes is enormous, reflecting everything from business and labor/management to environmental and insurance-related disputes, and everything in between. Accordingly, any model needs to recognize several givens:

In certain areas, notably the resolution of labor\management disputes, mediators have served with distinction for many years without any formal requirements in terms of education and training or substantive expertise. While listing agencies may have established their own guidelines, it has been and continues to be the market which determines who is qualified.

In a civil or community setting, it is frequently the case that mediators serve in a broad range of disputes. This presupposes either an enormous knowledge base, or, more likely, a skills base which allows the mediator to utilize relevant substantive knowledge gained during the course of mediation.

1. A 21-hour comprehensive mediator training program which covers the first seven skill components described above under Divorce and Child Custody Mediation, Model Alternative A, number 1, a. through g., and includes at least 6 hours of role playing.

2. 30 hours of mediation experience (solo or co-mediation) in at least 10 different cases while in consultation with an experienced mediator. One should participate in at least 5 hours of consultation.

3. Subscription to a code of ethics or code of professional conduct for mediators that is sanctioned by a recognized professional organization. In addition, mediators who are attorneys are to be guided by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, when applicable.