COLORADO JUDICIAL BRANCH



COLORADO JUDICIAL BRANCH

                                                        Office of Dispute Resolution

ADR Policies and Procedures Manual                                       Date:  Updated 1/23/08

Subject:  Qualifications of Court Parenting Coordinators and Decision Makers – Boulder Pilot Program

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CONTRACTING WITH COURT PARENTING COORDINATORS AND DECISION MAKERS

New Parenting Coordinators and Decision Makers are evaluated and offered contracts with ODR only on an as-needed basis. 

QUALIFICATIONS OF COURT PARENTING COORDINATORS AND DECISION MAKERS

In determining whether a particular individual is offered a contract, ODR considers Parenting Coordination and Decision Making (PC/DM) proficiency as well as the PC/DM’s suitability for the program.  Proficiency and suitability are determined through a process which includes screening of resumes, written questionnaires, and an oral interview which may include hypothetical questions and role-plays.

1.         Parenting Coordination/Decision Making (PC/DM) Proficiency

a) Parenting Coordination/Decision Maker Qualifications

• Applicants must possess Parenting Coordination skills, interventions and processes. Applicants must also possess Decision Making skills, interventions and processes, as the Courts will encourage parties to provide Decision Making authority to the appointed Parenting Coordinators.

• Must meet the Colorado Guidelines Concerning Court Appointments of Parenting Coordinators and the Colorado Chief Justice Directive concerning Court Appointments of Decision-Makers (Colorado Standing Committee on Family Issues).

• Must have at least 40 hours of “hands-on” training in mediation.

b) Professional experience.

• ODR generally hires only experienced practitioners. Generally that requires the applicant have done PC and/or DM in a minimum of 20 cases. Preference is given to individuals with more experience.

• Preference is given to applicants who have practiced their profession (family law or mental health) for at least five years.

• Preference is given to applicants who have mediated family cases.

c) Substantive knowledge. Applicants must have an understanding of child development, family systems, the effects of divorce on children, power dynamics, high-conflict dynamics, domestic violence, divorce impasse issues, custody issues, and parenting time issues. Preference is given to applicants who are bi-lingual in English and Spanish.

d) Substantive legal knowledge.  Preference is given to individuals with extensive knowledge of Colorado family law. 

e) Familiarity with the court system.  Preference is given to individuals who have an understanding of the role of judges, lawyers, etc., who are familiar with domestic court procedures, and who are familiar with their local jurisdiction.

f) PC/DM skills and style.  The applicant's PC/DM skills are reviewed primarily during the interview through the use of hypothetical questions and role-plays. Preference is given to individuals who are most comfortable with high conflict; PC/DM processes and responsibilities; who emphasize guidelines for implementing the parenting plan; who emphasize improving communication among the parties; who emphasize education and the best interest of the children; and whose style is best suited to the structure of the court-ordered PC/DM program. Personal attributes and skills that are valued include good listening, good interpersonal skills, organization, comfort making decisions, ability to set boundaries, ability to see the big picture, good oral and written communication, good time management, self confidence, ability to maintain impartiality, caring, compassionate, motivator, role model, coach, and ability to be fair.

2.         Suitability for ODR Program 

a) Acceptability to court and local attorneys.  If a PC/DM is being sought for a local court, the application may be reviewed by the judges and administrative staff of the court, as well as selected local lawyers.  Preference is given to PCs/DMs who are acceptable to the court and the members of the local bar.  PCs/DMs who do not enjoy the confidence of the court, the local bar, and the court staff will not be offered contracts.

b) Liability Insurance. All PC/DM practitioners for ODR will be required to carry liability insurance.

c) Interest in promoting PC/DM and ADR.  Court PCs/DMs are often asked to donate time to work with the local court and other local groups to develop PC/DM and other ADR programs.  Preference is given to applicants who are interested in assisting with the local development of PC, DM, and ADR and who have volunteer time to commit to the effort.

d) Fit with local team.  Court PCs/DMs in many locations are organized into teams which spend time attending local peer reviews and working together on PC, DM and ADR development.  Preference is given to applicants who will provide the best "fit" with other local team members.

e) Availability.  Preference is given to individuals who reside in the area of the judicial district in which services will be provided. Preference is also given to individuals who have time available to conduct PC/DM sessions and participate in local development activities.

f) Ongoing professional development. Preference is given to individuals who are dedicated to ongoing professional development, which may include their own ongoing education, peer reviews, supervision and/or mentoring.

NEW COURT PCs/DMs

1. Policies and Procedures Meetings.  New PCs/DMs will be given a copy of the ADR Policies and Procedures Manual and any local policies and procedures to review.  New PCs/DMs will be asked to meet with the local Program Administrator to review ODR policies and procedures.

2. Strategy Meeting.  New PCs/DMs may be required to attend a meeting with , representatives of the local court, the local Program Administrator, and others regarding strategies for working with the court and other local organizations.  This meeting is in addition to local program development and strategy meetings and activities which will be an ongoing part of the PC/DM’s responsibility.

3.         Internship.  PCs/DMs who are offered a contract with ODR may be required, at their own expense, to complete an internship before they begin doing PC/DM work for ODR.  The local Program Administrator will establish the specific internship process (of course this can be in consultation with the Director, but no need to mention that here) if any to be completed by each new PC/DM.  The process generally includes working with existing court PCs/DMs, observing sessions, working with another PC/DM and/or being observed.  The number of observation/co-coordination sessions will vary depending on the experience of the new PC/DM. A new PC/DM with limited prior experience may be asked to work more extensively with existing court PCs/DMs and compensate the PC/DM for their time.

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