Course overview

Rainbow families, like all families, come in many forms. They may include same‑sex parents, gender-diverse parents, or families raising queer children. With an increasing demand for mediation services that meet the needs of diverse families, Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has developed this specialised workshop to help practitioners build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work more inclusively with LGBTIQA+ clients.

This interactive workshop focuses on the unique considerations in mediating with rainbow families, including separating same‑sex couples, couples where one partner has come out as LGBTIQA+, diverse family formation, and supporting parenting decisions with queer children. Drawing on reflective practice and real‑world examples, participants will gain both awareness and practical strategies to ensure mediation settings feel safe, respectful, and welcoming for all family members.

You’ll explore both the development of the program and early learnings from its delivery, alongside a discussion of future sector needs in working with rainbow families.

Who should attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Family dispute resolution practitioners
• Counsellors, family therapists, and parent‑adolescent mediators
• Professionals who want to increase their skills and cultural awareness in working inclusively with rainbow families

Course structure

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concept of rainbow families and their diverse structures
• Apply reflective practice skills when supporting LGBTIQA+ clients in mediation
• Engage confidently with appropriate pronoun use and inclusive language
• Recognise areas of family law specific to rainbow families, including separation, property settlement, child support, and family violence
• Explore the program’s development stages and anecdotal insights from early implementation
• Apply strategies for creating safe, inclusive, and affirming mediation spaces

About the presenters

Natasha Belmont is a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, mediator, and restorative engagement facilitator with qualifications in law and psychology. She has led FDR training programs at RAV and worked extensively with rainbow families in both practice and education roles.

Adrien March is an accomplished Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) with expertise in rainbow families and high‑conflict disputes. She brings experience in facilitative and transformative mediation and has been instrumental in mediation training, coaching, and evaluation programs across Australia.

Enrolment and course access

When you register, you’ll be directed to our secure payment gateway. A new Moodle account (our Learning Management System) will be created for you, where you’ll access course details and workshop participation links.

Please note:

• Registrations close 48 hours before the workshop
• Payments must be received at least 2 business days prior to securing your place
• For invoices, proof of payment must be provided at least 24 hours before

Technical requirements

To participate in the online workshop, you’ll need access to:

• A desktop or laptop computer
• Reliable internet connection
• Headphones (recommended)
• Microphone and speakers
• A built-in or external webcam

Contact us

For further details or questions, please contact our Centre for Learning and Innovation:

• Phone: (03) 8573 2222
• Email: [email protected]