Learning Mode
Online/Face to Face
Location
Adelaide; Perth
Duration
10 Months
Study Load
Full Time
Course Overview
Extend your professional practice and help families find child-focused resolutions.
The Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (CHC81115) is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you to become a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) in Australia.
Delivered as a blend of online and face to face learning in Adelaide (SA) and Perth (WA), this practice-based program equips you with the skills and confidence to guide separating families through mediation and conflict resolution with empathy, professionalism, and cultural awareness.
Why Study Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners play an essential role in helping families resolve parenting, property, and financial matters without going to court.
With ongoing demand for qualified practitioners across Australia, this program opens the door to a meaningful and sustainable career that supports families through life’s most challenging transitions.
As a student, you will:
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Build advanced skills in intake, screening and assessment, mediation, and negotiation.
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Learn to facilitate structured, child-focused discussions that result in workable agreements.
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Develop a deep understanding of risk identification, family violence response, and safety planning.
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Gain insight into ethical and legal responsibilities under the Family Law Act and its Regulations.
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Strengthen your capacity for professional communication, trauma-aware practice, and cultural responsiveness.
Upon successful completion, you will meet the education requirement for registration as an FDRP with the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, subject to additional statutory requirements, including supervised practice and suitability checks.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are equipped to work in a range of professional settings, including:
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Community and not-for-profit mediation services
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Family law and counselling practices
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Private dispute resolution or consultancy
Roles include:
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Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
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Mediator or Family Law Mediator
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Case Manager or Program Coordinator in family services
With increasing demand for accessible and affordable dispute resolution, employment prospects in this area continue to grow across both metropolitan and regional Australia.
Pathways for Further Study
This qualification can support entry into:
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Advanced practice roles in mediation, family law, or family violence services
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Postgraduate study in conflict management, counselling, or social work
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Professional registration and ongoing accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS)
Placement and Professional Practice
To graduate, students must complete at least 50 hours of supervised dispute resolution work with clients under the guidance of an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).
AISR provides support in arranging suitable placements and supervision to help you meet this requirement.
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All placements must be approved by AISR prior to commencement.
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Where available, placements may be offered through Relationships Australia SA or Relationships Australia WA programs.
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Students are encouraged and supported to secure placements with other approved FDR services in their local area.
You’ll have four months from the completion of Unit of Study 3 to finalise your placement hours, allowing flexibility to balance study, work, and professional commitments.
Why Study with the Australian Institute of Social Relations?
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Delivered by Relationships Australia SA – a trusted national leader in family and community services
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Blended delivery for flexibility and national accessibility
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Expert trainers with real-world dispute resolution experience
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Practical learning underpinned by trauma-informed, ethical and culturally responsive frameworks
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Dedicated student support throughout your studies and placement
Prerequisites
Entry is open to professionals who meet at least one of the following:
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Hold an undergraduate degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution, Family Law Mediation, or equivalent
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Hold accreditation under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) framework (previously NMAS)
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Hold the Mediation Skill Set from the Community Services Training Package (CHC)
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Can provide documented evidence of substantial experience in a dispute resolution role requiring independent judgment and technical expertise
Applicants must complete a suitability interview with the course coordinator.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted for relevant prior learning or experience.
Units of Competency
1 Strengthening Safety Through Risk Identification and Response
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CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (elective)
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CHCDFV012 Make safety plans with people who have been subjected to domestic and family violence (elective)
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CHCDFV013 Manage domestic and family violence screening and risk assessment processes (elective)
2 Essentials of Family Dispute Resolution
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CHCFAM001 Operate in the family law environment (core)
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CHCFAM002 Work with a child focused approach (core)
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CHCFAM007 Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements (elective)
3 Family Dispute Resolution in Practice
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CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context (core)
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CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution (core)
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CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution (core)
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CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work (core)
Students to complete Work Placement Hours. Unit of study 3 online and classroom content must be completed prior to commencing a supervised work placement. Variations to this may be
negotiated if a student can demonstrate they are currently conducting family dispute resolution practice under supervision and can complete assessments on the job.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be granted for relevant prior study or experience. For more details on the RPL process, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer page.
Fees
- $13,000 Full Fee
For details of course fees, payment options and other applicable charges, visit our Fees and Payment page.
VET Student Loans may be available for this course, subject to students meeting eligibility requirements.
A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth. To check your eligibility visit the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations VET Student Loans page.
For more information about VET Student Loans, visit our VET Student Loans page.
Qualification Information Brochure
Course Details
Date: 1 February 2027
Location: 49a Orsmond St, Hindmarsh SA
Cost: $13,000 Full Fee
Download Course Brochure
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Nationally Recognised
Training (NRT)
Nationally recognised training (NRT) leads to vocational qualifications and credentials that are recognised across Australia.