The Pathway for Permanency Mediator Qualification
Permanency Mediation is a court connected dispute resolution program approved under Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:18. Mediators play a critical role in helping families, youth, and child welfare professionals work toward safe, stable, and lasting permanency outcomes.
This guide summarizes the qualifications, training, expectations, and ongoing responsibilities for mediators interested in joining the Permanency Mediation roster.
1. Eligibility Overview
To participate in the Pathways to Permanency Mediator Qualification, applicants must:
- Complete Basic Mediation Training* that meets Rule 8 requirements, including ethics training under Rule 9 (*scholarships available for those meeting a program need).
- Demonstrate strong listening skills, objectivity, and openness to feedback.
- Show interest in mediation, child welfare, and collaborative problem solving.
- Preferably have 3+ years of experience in child or family welfare, including working with high risk families.
- Preferably have experience or training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues affecting families in the child welfare system.
- Bilingual/bicultural skills are considered an asset.
- Be comfortable using basic computer tools, including managing files, entering data, and communicating by email.
2. Required Pathway Training Components
Once accepted into the qualification pathway, candidates must complete:
Specialized Permanency Mediation Training (36 hours)
Topics include:
- Parent Issues in Child Welfare
- Legal Systems Overview
- Family Consultation Team Facilitation
- Cooperative Permanency Planning
Beyond the Model: Special Considerations in Permanency Mediation Practice
Topics include:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Interpersonal Violence
- Ethics
- Working with Children
Pathways to Practice: Permanency Mediation Mentorship
Candidates must:
- Observe and comediate at least one full Permanency Mediation case with an approved mentor
- Participate through at least the joint session.
- Receive feedback after each session and a final evaluation from the mentor and Regional Supervisor.
After successful evaluation, the Program Director determines roster placement.
3. Expectations for Rostered Permanency Mediators
Once placed on the roster, mediators are expected to:
- Complete cases they agree to take.
- Participate in group supervision and maintain communication with their Regional Supervisor.
- Complete 8 hours of continuing education annually.
- Maintain professional liability insurance.
- Submit required documentation (e.g., CORI).
4. Evaluation & Quality Assurance
To ensure high quality services, mediators receive:
- Annual written evaluations based on SJC Rule 8 criteria.
- Participant evaluations from families and professionals.
- Periodic informal observations and debriefings.
- Opportunities for self evaluation and peer evaluation.
Grounds for Removal1*
A mediator may be removed from the roster for:
- Ethical violations (SJC Rule 9)
- Noncompliance with program policies
- Failure to attend supervision or communicate with supervisors
- Repeated negative participant evaluations
- Failure to meet continuing education requirements
- Inactivity (no cases accepted for 12 months)
- Inappropriate behavior during or after mediation
- Failure to maintain insurance or required documentation
* Removal from the Roster Policy available upon request.
5. Continuing Education Requirements
Mediators must complete 8 hours of relevant training each year, which may include:
- Program sponsored specialized training, virtual and in-person offered
- Court orientation sessions
- Approved external ADR or child welfare training
6. Annual Renewal of Roster Status
Each mediator’s status is reviewed annually.
Active Status
Granted when all requirements are met and the mediator has participated in mediation within the past year.
Quality Improvement Status
Supports mediators when requirements need further attention. A tailored work plan is developed, and mediators may continue comediating under approved conditions as they work toward restored compliance.
Inactive Status
Applied when a mediator has not participated in mediation for more than 12 months. Reinstatement requires a meeting with the Program Director or Regional Supervisor.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete the mentoring requirement?
Permanency Mediation cases often take 4–6 months. Not all cases reach joint session, so additional mentoring opportunities may be needed.
What if I can’t accept a case right now?
You may decline cases, but 12 months without accepting any case may result in removal from the roster.
What counts toward my 8 hours of continuing education?
Training related to:
- Mediation skills
- Child welfare
- Trauma, domestic violence, substance use
- Cultural responsiveness
- Court processes
- Ethics
Both program sponsored and approved external training qualify.
Permanency Mediation Services provide free continuing education opportunities annually.
What happens during the annual evaluation?
Your Regional Supervisor may observe a session, review case discussions, and complete a SJC Rule8based skills checklist, discuss it with you, and invite your written response.
What if I receive negative feedback from participants?
A single negative evaluation is not usually a concern. A pattern of negative evaluations may trigger additional supervision, training, or a tailored work plan.
What should I do if I need support during a case?
Your Regional Supervisor is available for support. Regular communication is required to ensure quality, safe and effective practice.
How do I return to active status if I become inactive?
Schedule a meeting with your Regional Supervisor or the Program Director to review expectations and confirm readiness to resume Permanency Mediation work with Plummer Youth Promise.
