Accredited Training

CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

Course overview

Specialise in a rewarding field that helps families navigate life's most challenging transitions.

This nationally accredited course will prepare you to practice as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to work effectively within the Australian family law framework.

This is more than just a qualification; it's a pathway to becoming an expert in helping families and children find a peaceful way forward. As a Registered Training Organisation with a history of over 75 years of service, our facilitators are not just trainers—they are active practitioners who bring real-world, clinical insights to every class.

Career opportunities and professional recognition

This course is delivered by Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV), a Registered Training Organisation (RTO registration code 21977), and provides nationally recognised qualifications. The course is regulated by ASQA, with full compliance maintained in accordance with the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

Graduates are qualified to:

  • Register as FDRPs with the Australian Government's Attorney-General's Department
  • Practise in the area of FDR under the Family Law Act (1975)
  • Issue s60I Certificates.

Course structure

One year, over 2 semesters.

 

Semesters 1 Involves self-paced online modules, live and recorded monthly 2-hour webinars, and 6 full-day skills workshops.
Semester 2 A fully arranged and supported 50-hour work placement, in a service providing FDR to clients. Students are matched with a centre/service and an accredited FDRP supervisor. In a workplace environment, students are actively supervised to work with clients and undertake case support work.

5 x half-day placement seminars involving case presentations and discussions.

 

Students also undertake varied assessment tasks, independent reading and research to support learning throughout the year.

Semesters 1
Online learning modules and skills workshops Foundations of FDR Practice
  • Module 1 Family Dispute Resolution
  • Module 2 Family Violence
  • Module 3 Intake/Assessment

Children and Parenting Matters in FDR
  • Module 4 Post-Separation Parenting
  • Module 5 Family Law and Parenting FDR

Property and Financial Matters in FDR
  • Module 6 Context of Property FDR
  • Module 7 Property FDR Process

Ethics and Inclusive FDR Practice
  • Module 8 Diversity and Vulnerability in FDR
  • Module 9 Ethical FDR practice
  • Module 10 Bringing it all together
Semester 2
Work placement
  • Fully arranged and supported work placement in a service providing FDR to clients. Each student is matched with a centre and accredited FDRP supervisor.
  • Students will participate in a minimum of 50 hours of client and case support work.

 

Visit www.training.gov.au for detailed information on the course units.

Upcoming course dates and enrolment

Our Intake 1 will start on Thursday, 5 February 2026 

 

Workshop Time Dates
Introduction 10:00am - 12:00pm     Thursday, February 05, 2026
Workshop 1: Introduction to FDR 9:30am - 4:30pm     Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Workshop 2: Family Violence in FDR  9:30am - 4:30pm     Thursday, 12 March 2026
Workshop 3: Parenting FDR 9:30am - 4:30pm  Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Workshop 4: Property FDR 9:30am - 4:30pm  Thursday, 7 May 2026
Workshop 5: Diversity and Ethics 9:30am - 4:30pm  Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Workshop 6: Practice and Review 9:30am - 4:30pm  Thursday, 18 June 2026

Entry requirements

To enrol in this course, you must have one or more of the following:

  • An undergraduate degree or higher qualification in psychology, social work, law, conflict management, dispute resolution, family law mediation or equivalent
  • NMAS (AMDRAS) accreditation
  • The mediation skill set from the Community Training Package
  • Evidence of dispute resolution experience in a job role involving:
    1. Self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas
    2. Exercise of independent judgement and decision-making
    3. A range of technical and other skills

Preview the course

Register to watch our introductory course video and join an experienced course facilitator for a free, one-hour Q&A webinar. The webinars are a relaxed and informative way to learn about the course, placement programs, and accreditation pathways. We'll answer your questions to help you decide about applying.

The webinar for this course is coming soon. Stay tuned for the launch date and access details.

 

 

 

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO registration code 21977), providing nationally-recognised courses. Through our RTO, RAV is regulated by ASQA, and maintains its compliance with The 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

 

Graduate and student stories

Discover the difference in learning with us. In this video, a graduate shares their experience with the course's hands-on, practical approach. They are joined by a Centre Manager who provides a unique perspective on how these skills are applied in a real-world setting.

 

More information

Delivery model

The course integrates online, self-paced learning with workshops and assessments that are delivered either online, in-person or through a combination of both (dependent on the enrolled intake).

The role of a relationship counsellor
  • Evidence-informed, experiential learning
  • coordinated and supervised placement
  • Highly experienced, qualified facilitators
  • Nationally-recognised and accredited training
  • VET Student Loan-approved
  • Registered Training Organisation 21977
  • Delivered continuously since 2009
  • Informed by over 75 years' service experience
  • Clinical Supervision and Workplace Practice Program.
Units of competency

CHCDFV001 Recognise and Respond Appropriately to Domestic and Family Violence
CHCDFV008 Manage Responses to Domestic and Family Violence in Family Work
CHCDFV013 Manage Domestic and Family Violence Screening and Risk Assessment Processes
CHCFAM001 Operate in a Family Law Environment
CHCFAM002 Work with a Child-Focused Approach
CHCFAM007 Assist Clients to Develop Parenting Arrangements
CHCDSP001 Facilitate Dispute Resolution in the Family Law Context
CHCDSP002 Adhere to Ethical Standards in Family Dispute Resolution
CHCDSP003 Support the Safety of Vulnerable Parties in Family Dispute Resolution
CHCPRP006 Lead Own Professional Development

course information, policies and procedures are available in our Registered Training Organisation Program Manual, available on our website.

Trainers
This Graduate Diploma is an Australian Government VET Student Loan-approved course.
Please click here to access our VET Student Loans Information Manual.
VET Student Loans

The Graduate Diploma is delivered by highly experienced and currently-practising FDRPs, who have worked in a range of organisational and private practice contexts.

Trainers have current training and assessment qualifications and relevant industry experience.

Applications

Register your interest for this course via the button at the top of the page. We will then contact you with information on next steps and to organise an interview prior to being offered a place in the course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL enables students to have their existing skills and knowledge relating to FDR acknowledged and status granted where appropriate. This is available for people with extensive and relevant experience in family law, mediation, counselling or family and domestic violence.

To apply for RPL, you will need to provide evidence of the competencies needed for FDR by completing our RPL Application and Assessment Form, which we can provide on request.

Fees
  • $15,300 (payable by instalment). A $110 textbook is also required to be purchased.
  • For non-VET Student Loan applicants, a $1,000 deposit is due when accepting your course offer.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)

From 1 January 2015, students undertaking nationally accredited training with RAV (i.e. enrolling into VET courses) will need to set up a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and provide this to RAV’s administration team via email. RAV is required to record and verify a USI for each student. More information and assistance in applying is available from the USI website and via the links below.

Supporting your learning journey

We approach learning as a journey undertaken with each student. We will undertake appropriate steps to identify your learning support needs, and work together with you to develop options and solutions to support you in the most appropriate way.


Our flexible approach to training will enable us to provide you with the required tools and resources to ensure you are supported through your journey to completing the course. This includes support across administration, career planning, financial payment plans, personal development needs including counselling or mediation services, and learner support provided by our diverse support staff team

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our answers to commonly asked questions. Still have a question? Join our next webinar or send us an enquiry.

Relationships Australia Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Australia. We support Aboriginal people’s right to self-determination and culturally safe services.

Centre for Learning and Innovation

FAQs and contact information

Join our learning community

Receive the latest news, upcoming courses, events, and valuable resources directly to your inbox.