Center prepared for Michigan House Bill No. 4476

House Bill No. 4476 has been signed into law by Governor Snyder as of May 3. Now Public Act 93 of 2016 outlines standards for mediators with regards to Domestic Relations Mediations which includes that “the mediator shall make reasonable inquiry as to whether either party has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with the other party.”

This includes the use of the domestic violence screening protocol for mediators provided by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO).

In addition, mediators shall make “reasonable efforts throughout the domestic relations mediation process to screen for the presence of coercion or violence that would make mediation physically or emotionally unsafe for any participant, or that would impede the achievement of a voluntary and safe resolution of issues.”

In response to the passing of House Bill No. 4476, Oakland Mediation Center (OMC) and HAVEN are offering an additional “Domestic Violence Screening Training for Mediators” this year.

This training is designed to teach mediators how to screen for domestic violence utilizing the most updated SCAO Domestic Violence Screening Protocol.

“OMC has been committed to providing quality training for over 20 years that is responsive to our community’s needs,” said Bonnie Hanes, OMC executive director. “We are proud to be able to respond quickly to this new need so that mediators have the tools to adhere to the new act and protect the clients they serve.”

The Domestic Violence Screening Training for Mediators will be offered on Thursday, July 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Civil and Domestic mediators are invited to join for this interactive training. 

The training also qualifies as an 8-hour advanced training for those who have already completed the 40-hour Civil Mediation Training or who previously only took the 4-hour Domestic Violence Screening Training as a part of their Domestic Relations Mediator Training.

The training cost is $295 and includes a detailed participant guide, SCAO Domestic Violence Screening Protocol, certificate of attendance, breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.

The training will take place at Oakland Mediation Center in Bloomfield Hills. For additional information about this training and others, contact the Oakland Mediation Center training department at 248-338-4280, ext. 216.

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