Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) providers are mediators who help families settle disputes about the care of their children through mediation. Providers deliver services either privately or through supplier organisations which are contracted by the Ministry of Justice.
FDR Operating Guidelines [PDF, 713 KB]
You can find guidance and resources for working with children as part of FDR in the Quality Practice Framework.
Quality Practice Framework - Family Dispute Resolution Child-inclusive Mediation [PDF, 1.5 MB]
Please note this is a living document and may be updated periodically.
To be an FDR mediator, you’ll need a relevant tertiary qualification and specific training and accreditation.
Find out more by contacting 1 of the 3 approved dispute resolution organisations (ADROs) listed below. They will check that you have the right qualifications and may provide training.
Parenting Through Separation (PTS) courses are funded by the Ministry of Justice to give separating or separated parents information and support to make good decisions about the care of their children.
The Ministry has contracts with a number of community organisations to deliver the courses regularly throughout New Zealand. Parenting course leaders (PTS facilitators) work through these organisations.
Parenting Through Separation operating guidelines [PDF, 286 KB]
To be a PTS facilitator you’ll need a relevant tertiary qualification and appropriate experience. Find out more by applying to a provider organisation in your area.
See a diagram of how disputes about the care of children are resolved [PDF, 539 KB]
You can use our family section to help explain the process and the services available to people who need to settle arrangements for the care of their children. There are also videos that explain what to expect. You can also watch the videos on our YouTube channel(external link)
The best way to get the most up-to-date and immediate information about our services is by visiting this website. However, we know that in some circumstances, people may still need a printed copy of the information they need.
Find out about your options for getting a copy of the information you need
To see whether people qualify for funded services, check on our funding eligibility page
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