New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Fam - Board of Family Mediator Certification
The New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Fam - Board of Family Mediator Certification, outlines the regulations that govern how family mediators are certified in New Hampshire. These rules are designed to ensure that mediators working in family law cases — such as divorce, custody, parenting plans, and other family matters — meet certain professional standards to protect the interests of families and children involved in disputes.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Fam rules as they typically appear in the administrative code. The structure may change over time, but generally it covers:
1. Fam 100 – Organizational Rules
This section describes the Board of Family Mediator Certification itself — its authority, structure, contact information, and the scope of its powers.
The Board is established under New Hampshire law to oversee the certification and regulation of family mediators.
It sets the policies, oversees applications, and handles discipline.
The board typically consists of professionals from law, mental health, and mediation fields.
2. Fam 200 – Procedural Rules
These rules lay out how the Board operates procedurally, including meetings, decision-making processes, rulemaking procedures, and hearings.
It covers how the board conducts its business, how often they meet, and how they notify the public.
It includes how complaints and disciplinary actions are handled.
Also includes procedures for appealing decisions made by the Board.
3. Fam 300 – Certification Requirements
This is one of the most important sections. It details the qualifications required to become a certified family mediator in New Hampshire.
Key Requirements Often Include:
Education: A minimum educational qualification, often a bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, social work, psychology, or a related field.
Training: Completion of a 40-hour family mediation training program approved by the Board.
Experience: A certain number of supervised mediation sessions or practical experience.
Ethics: Agreement to follow the Board’s code of ethics and standards of practice.
4. Fam 400 – Certification Process
Explains how to apply for certification, including:
Application procedure: Forms, documentation, and deadlines.
Fees: Application and renewal fees.
Review process: How the board evaluates applications.
Provisional or Conditional Certification: In some cases, provisional certification may be granted pending completion of some requirements.
5. Fam 500 – Renewal of Certification
Certification is not indefinite; it must be renewed periodically (often every 3 years).
Continuing Education: Mediators must complete ongoing professional education (e.g., 20 hours every renewal cycle).
Proof of Practice: May require documentation of continued mediation work.
Ethics Compliance: Renewals require continued adherence to ethical standards.
6. Fam 600 – Standards of Practice and Ethics
This section outlines the ethical guidelines and professional standards mediators must follow, including:
Impartiality: Mediators must remain neutral and not favor any party.
Confidentiality: Information disclosed in mediation must be kept private.
Voluntariness: Participation in mediation must be voluntary.
Competence: Mediators must only practice within their area of training.
Conflict of Interest: Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with professional duties.
7. Fam 700 – Complaints, Discipline, and Revocation
Explains how the Board handles complaints against mediators and disciplinary actions.
Grounds for discipline: Violations of ethics, incompetence, or criminal behavior.
Process: Investigation, hearing, and appeal process.
Possible sanctions: Reprimands, suspension, or revocation of certification.
8. Fam 800 – Rulemaking
Outlines how the Board updates or creates new rules, including public notice and comment periods, and how changes are adopted.
Key Takeaways:
The Fam rules ensure family mediators in New Hampshire are qualified and adhere to professional standards.
Certification requires education, training, experience, and ongoing education.
The rules protect the integrity of mediation and the rights of families.
The Board also manages disciplinary issues and can revoke certification when necessary.
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