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The Center for Social Gerontology and PeaceTalks will present the Ninth Annual Adult Guardianship/Family Caregiver Mediation Training on October 17-19, 2005 in Ann Arbor, MI.

The following information is from 2004, and there will be few changes in 2005. Final 2005 information and registration form will be posted shortly.

Exciting Area of Family Mediation

Adult Guardianship/Family Caregiver Mediation

Mediators, courts, attorneys, and those working with older or disabled persons increasingly recognize mediation as a valuable alternative to guardianship litigation. It provides an opportunity to address underlying issues that trigger guardianship petitions and explore options and alternatives. It allows an older or disabled person to be an active part of the decision-making process and maintain maximum autonomy. If undertaken prior to filing a petition, results can be even more beneficial. This seventh annual training provides a unique opportunity to gain vital information and skills needed to handle these important and challenging cases.

About The Center for Social Gerontology (TCSG)

TCSG is a national leader in policy research and advocacy on issues of law & aging, with a particular focus on guardianship. Recognizing the need for a new approach to meaningfully address the complex issues underlying many guardianship cases, TCSG began to explore the potential of mediation, and since the late 1980s, has pioneered its use with courts, mediators and the aging network. Efforts have recently expanded to family caregiver mediation.

About PeaceTalks Mediation Services

PeaceTalks provides mediation and facilitation services and training in mediation, conflict management and consensus decision-making in Southeast Michigan. Co-Owned by Susan Hartman and Claire Tinkerhess, PeaceTalks provides services to families, workplace groups, schools, religious organizations, and community groups.

Who should attend?

• You should attend this training if you are --

• a trained/experienced mediator and would like to be in the forefront of this exciting area of family mediation.

• an administrator of a mediation center or court that wants to establish adult guardianship/family caregiver mediation services.

Course Content

• Mediation Preparation and Process

  -- Referral, Intake & Screening
  -- Ability of Parties to Mediate
  -- Role of Attorneys & Other Advocates
  -- Generating Options
  -- Identifying Common Issues
  -- Mediation Skills & Techniques
  -- Family Dynamics

• Ethical Issues

  -- Protection of the Respondent
  -- Confidentiality

• Establishing a Program

  -- Building a Network of Support
  -- Relationship to Court
  -- Establishing & Maintaining Referral Mechanisms

• Guardianship Law & Practice

  -- The Court Process
  -- Alternatives to Mediation

• Working with Older Persons & Others Likely to be Subject to Guardianship

• Extensive Mediation Role Play

Logistics

When:

2005 Training will be Monday through early afternoon Wednesday, October 17-19.

Where:

The training will be held at the Holiday Inn North Campus, 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Details will be posted later.

Transportation:

Ann Arbor is served by Detroit Metro Airport. Information about airport and local transportation will be sent with registration materials.

Materials:

Each registrant will receive TCSG's Adult Guardianship Mediation Manual. This manual can be ordered separately by those unable to attend.

For questions or more information, please contact:
Penny Hommel, TCSG Co-Director
Phone: (734) 665-1126 Email: phommel@tcsg.org
Website: www.tcsg.org