Essentials For Elder Adult Mediation

A training program for experienced mediators in cooperation with the Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Program California State University, Dominguez Hills

April 30-May 2, 2009

Training Features and Topic

• Lead trainers with extensive adult (elder) mediation and training experience
• Speakers with expertise from multi-disciplines serving older adults and families
• Skill building exercises and case studies for practical applications
• Building awareness and appreciation for unique and typical experiences of aging
• What makes Adult (Elder) Mediation different?
• Model standards and ethical framework for practicing Adult (Elder) Mediation
• The dynamics of family and intergenerational conflict
• Balancing autonomy and responsibility in Adult (Elder) Mediation
• Empowering choices and voices of parties in mediation
• Working with other professionals in the “aging services network”
• Convening and pre-mediation intake approaches to enhance participation
• Addressing myths & realities of aging
• Understanding the spectrum of capacity to participate in mediation
• Impacts of bias, ageism, stereotypes and perceptions on mediation
• Overview of elder abuse, red flags, safety issues and limits of mediation
• Recognizing elder law matters in civil rights, financial and other legal concerns
• Overview of the Probate Court process
• Awareness of the L.A. Superior Court ADR program requirements
• Practice with high emotion and multi-party dynamics

Prerequisites: Training program is for experienced mediators. Details outlined on application and pre-registration form

Cost:* $575. (Community Based Mediation program staff may qualify for a discounted rate) MCLE approval pending

Limited Enrollment: Space is limited. Acceptance is based on strength of prerequisites satisfied.

*Training materials include a copy of “The Eldercare Handbook: Difficult Choices, Compassionate Solutions” By Stella Mora Henry, R.N. (in Spanish or English)

Lead Trainer Biographical Information

Alice J. Rudnick is a principal analyst with the New York State Unified Court System’s Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution & Court Improvement Programs (ADRCIP), responsible for supervision and development of the Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program (CDRCP) and other initiatives for alternative dispute resolution to all residents in the 62 counties of New York State. In addition to other administrative responsibilities, she serves as coordinator of Intergenerational Programs, providing technical assistance with education, training, development and management for Restorative Justice, PINS Diversion, Parent/Child and Elder Adult Dialogue and Mediation program services. . . . . 

Nancy Neff Solnick, mediator, trainer, coach, and retired elder law attorney, is one of the principals of Philadelphia Mediation Group, a group that provides conflict resolution education and training, communication support, intervention and systems development in the areas of elder care, health care and addiction treatment. Mrs. Solnick is a member of the Elder Mediation Institute (EMI), formerly the National Elder Mediation Network (NEMN). She was one of the course planners of and a speaker at The First National Symposium on Ethical Standards for Elder Mediation held in April, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA. For many years she chaired the Elder Mediation Task Force of the Montgomery County Mediation Center in Norristown, PA, now in Eagleville, PA. Mrs. Solnick has been involved as course planner, presenter, and coach in numerous elder mediation trainings. She practiced Elder Law for almost twenty years and was in the first group of Elder Law Attorneys to take the certification examination. She became a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) under the auspices of the American Bar Association and was later recertified during her practice of Elder Law. . . . .

Jennifer Kresge is a mediator and a licensed therapist in private practice in St. Helena, California. She has been in clinical practice and providing mediation and clinical training for twenty four years. She mediates family, trustee and business disputes, divorce, custody and visitation, personal injury, as well as school and government conflicts. Her clinical and mediation practice also includes participation as a Special Master, consultation, expert witness, and custody evaluations. She is Past President of the California County Boards of Education, and is an elected trustee on the Napa County Office of Education, for which she is currently Vice-President. . . .

Contact Marcia Haber at (310) 377-7624 or ARMS4Mediation@gmail.com for an application and pre-registration packet.


Partial List of Advisory Experts and Guest Speakers

Emanuel Alvarez, USC EduCare Program, County of Los Angeles Department of Aging

Dr. Susan Bernatz, PhD., Capacity and Assessments, Bernatz Forensic Neuropsychology,

Judge Aviva Bobb, Presiding Judge, L.A. Superior Court, Probate Division

Julie L. Bronson, ADR Administrator Los Angeles Superior Court

Eric Carlson, Esq., Director, Long-Term Care Project National Senior Citizens Law Center

Mary Culbert, Director, Associate Clinical Professor, The Loyola Law School Center For Conflict Resolution

Bunni Dybnis, M.A., MFT, CMC, (Professional Care Management) Director of Professional Services, LivHome

Stella Mora Henry, R.N., Eldercare Specialist, Author, “The Eldercare Handbook: Difficult Choices, Compassionate Solutions”

Forrest Mosten, Esq. Family-Divorce Attorney and Mediator

Myer Sankary, Esq. President of the Southern California Mediation Association, Probate, Estates Attorney and Mediator

Edward Phelps, Esq., Estate Planning, Trustee, Mediator Phelps, Schwarz & Phelps

Ruth A. Phelps, Esq., Elder Law, Phelps, Schwarz & Phelps

Dr. Diana Schneider, M.D., Assistant Professor of Family and Internal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at USC, Medical Director, LAC+USC Adult Protection Team

Monika White, PhD, MSW, Geriatric Care Management Consultant, Immediate Past President, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers