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Janice M. Fleischer, J. D., Principal
6619 South Dixie Highway #210
Miami , Florida 33143
Phone: 786-268-2596
Fax: 305-740-6748
Email: janice@flashresolutions.com
SUBJECT: Review of CME/CLE Tape: Screening for Domestic Violence: What’s a Responsible Mediator to Do?
DATE: March 14, 2005
MEMO:
As I completed my mediator certification renewal form this February, I realized I was lacking the required domestic violence hours for my family mediation certification. Quickly, I scanned the audio tapes available from the 2004 DRC conference and chose several that would cumulatively give me the hours needed to meet my responsibilities. One of them really impressed me and I am writing this short review to let others know about this tape.
The tape I am recommending is “Screening for Domestic Violence: What’s a Responsible Mediator to Do?” presented by the Honorable Robert Doyel, the Honorable Raymond McNeal and mediator, Robin Davis.
So often (and you have heard me complain about this before) we purchase tapes just to find out you can’t hear anything, or at least you can’t hear the questions being asked, just the answers being given by the presenters. (Puts me in mind of the old “Carnak” series on Johnny Carson; he holds an envelope up to his head and gives the answer BEFORE hearing the question. Answer was always a funny twist on the question.) This tape initially suffers from that syndrome but quickly becomes a valuable and intelligent discussion of scenarios in which mediators may find themselves. It is based on the experience and expertise of two judges familiar with domestic violence cases and the mediation process and a highly experienced family mediator, Robin Davis. It is easy listening and has interesting material. I found myself really paying attention! It is not an interactive discussion (which, judging from that initial few minutes of questions you could not hear and answers you could, is probably a good thing) but rather each presenter has approximately 15-20 minutes to present his/her views and comments on the process. I would rank it a 4.5 out of 5 and say it was basic/intermediate in skill level.