Or. Uni. Trial. Ct. R. 12.140

As amended through January 17, 2024

Rule 12.140 - CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

(1) Of the continuing education hours required of approved mediators every two calendar years:

(a) If the mediator is an approved general civil mediator:

(i) One hour must relate to confidentiality;

(ii) One hour must relate to mediator ethics; and

(iii) Six hours can be satisfied by the mediator taking the continuing education classes required by his or her licensure unless such licensure is not reasonably related to the practice of mediation.

(b) If the mediator is an approved domestic relations custody and parenting or domestic relations financial mediator:

(i) Two hours must relate to confidentiality;

(ii) Two hours must relate to mediator ethics;

(iii) Twelve hours must be on the subject of either custody and parenting issues or financial issues, respectively;

(iv) Twelve hours can be satisfied by the mediator taking the continuing education classes required by his or her licensure unless such licensure is not reasonably related to the practice of mediation; and

(v) The hours required in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) can be met in the hours required in subparagraph (iii) if confidentiality or mediator ethics is covered in the context of domestic relations.

(2) Continuing education topics may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

(a) Those topics outlined in UTCR 12.100, 12.110, and 12.120;

(b) Practical skills-based training in mediation or facilitation;

(c) Court processes;

(d) Confidentiality laws and rules;

(e) Changes in the subject matter areas of law in which the mediator practices;

(f) Mediation ethics;

(g) Domestic violence;

(h) Sexual assault;

(i) Child abuse and elder abuse;

(j) Gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity;

(k) Psychology and psychopathology;

(l) Organizational development;

(m) Communication;

(n) Crisis intervention;

(o) Program administration and service delivery;

(p) Practices and procedures of state and local social service agencies; and

(q) Safety issues for mediators.

(3) Continuing education shall be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience. For purposes of this section, an hour is defined as 60 minutes of instructional time or activity and may be completed in a variety of formats, including but not limited to:

(a) Attendance at a live lecture or seminar;

(b) Attendance at an audio or video playback of a lecture or seminar with a group where the group discusses the materials presented;

(c) Listening or viewing audio, video, or internet presentations;

(d) Receiving supervision as part of a training mentorship;

(e) Formally debriefing mediation cases with mediator supervisors and colleagues following the mediation;

(f) Lecturing or teaching in qualified continuing education courses; and

(g) Reading, authoring, or editing written materials submitted for publication that have significant intellectual or practical content directly related to the practice of mediation.

(4) Continuing education classes should enhance the participant's competence as a mediator and provide opportunities for mediators to expand upon existing skills and explore new areas of practice or interest. To the extent that the mediator's prior training and experience do not include the topics listed above, the mediator should emphasize those listed areas relevant to the mediator's practice.

(5) Where applicable, continuing education topics should be coordinated with, reported to, and approved by the determining authority of each court at which the mediator is an approved mediator and reported at least every two calendar years via the electronic Court-Connected Mediator Continuing Education Credit Form available on the Oregon Judicial Department's webpage or other reporting form authorized by the appropriate determining authority.

Or. Uni. Trial. Ct. R. 12.140

Adopted June 10, 2022, effective 8/1/2022.