CHC81115
CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution
The CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution is for professionals who want to specialise in family dispute resolution and gain accreditation as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). It equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to make a meaningful impact on families during challenging transitions.
Who this program is for
- Legal, social work, and community services professionals
- Mediators and conflict resolution practitioners
- Counsellors and therapists
- Individuals transitioning into FDR practice
What you'll study
10 units (6 core plus 4 electives)
- CHCFAM001Operate in a family law environment
- CHCFAM002Work with a child focused approach
- CHCDSP001Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context
- CHCDSP002Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution
- CHCDSP003Support the safety of vulnerable parties in dispute resolution
- CHCDFV008Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work
- CHCFAM007Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements
- CHCDFV007Work with users of violence to affect change
- CHCDFV013Manage domestic and family violence screening and risk assessment processes
- CHCMGT005Facilitate workplace debriefing and support services
Entry requirements
Under the training package, entry to this qualification is open to individuals who meet one of the following:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution, Family Law Mediation, or equivalent; OR
- Hold AMDRAS accreditation held for 2 consecutive years at the time of applying to the Attorney-General's Department; OR
- Hold the Mediation Skill Set from the Community Services Training Package (also offered by Archer Institute); OR
- Provide documented evidence of relevant previous experience in a dispute resolution environment involving self-directed application of knowledge, independent judgement, and a range of technical skills.
Work placement (50 hours)
Structured workplace learning that prepares you for practice. You complete a logbook signed off by your supervisor. Your hours must be completed with an accredited FDR practitioner listed on the Attorney-General's register, and placement generally starts once you have completed 50 percent of the program.
You must verify your supervisor on the Attorney-General’s register of accredited FDR practitioners.
- Work placement fee: $399, only payable if FCI obtains a placement on your behalf and only on your request.
- Placement hosting fee: $2,800, if you cannot find hosting and we provide a real or simulated FDRP.
- Both fees are payable to Archer Institute.
Becoming an accredited FDRP
Completing this training is one step toward practice. Effective 1 April 2025, there are three pathways to obtain the competency requirements for FDR practitioner accreditation. You provide evidence for one of these:
Path 1
Complete the full Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (the CHC81115 program).
Path 2
Demonstrate competency in the 6 core units of the Graduate Diploma, plus hold a suitable qualification, for example a higher education award in family law or a related field of law, psychology, social work, conflict management, mediation, or dispute resolution.
Path 3
Demonstrate competency in the 6 core units of the Graduate Diploma, plus hold current AMDRAS accreditation held continuously for two years prior to application.
Training completion does not by itself grant accreditation. Final accreditation as an FDRP is granted separately by the Attorney-General’s Department, not by FCI. Once accredited, an FDRP can issue Section 60I certificates under the Family Law Act. Read the Attorney-General’s guidance.
Related guides
Helpful reading as you weigh up this program.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this course for?
This program is designed for people such as legal, social work, and community services professionals; mediators and conflict resolution practitioners; counsellors and therapists; individuals transitioning into FDR practice. If you are not sure whether it fits your background, get in touch and our team will talk it through with you.
How long does the course take?
Every program is fully online and self-paced, so you study on your own schedule. You can start at any time and have up to two years to complete.
Is the work placement optional?
No. The 50-hour supervised work placement is a required part of this program and counts towards the competency requirements for FDR practitioner accreditation. You complete a logbook signed off by a supervisor who is an accredited FDR practitioner on the Attorney-General's register, and placement generally begins once you have completed 50 percent of the program. If you cannot find a host, we can help arrange one, with additional fees that apply only at your request.
What support do you get during the course?
You are never studying alone. This program includes access to the learner portal, all learning material provided, physical textbook included and posted to you for no additional cost, monthly check in calls, free student membership to FDR Institute, and after-hours support available.
What payment options are available?
The course fee is $8,950, and you can spread it across a payment plan of $895 per month for 10 months. All learning materials are included.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Take the First Step Toward Your New Career
Have a question about which course is right for you, or want to know more about enrolment? Get in touch and our team will help you find the right pathway.