From trained to certified to court-ready.
A structured, three-month pathway that turns newly trained mediators into confident, court-ready practitioners — mentored by accredited mediators, inside the same Children’s Courts you’ll go on to serve.
Where the network trains its next mediators.
ACR Academy is a NABFAM-recognised training programme and the training home of the ACR Mediation Network. The Mentorship Programme is its flagship pathway to accreditation — every mediator currently serving the Court Projects at Protea and Johannesburg Central Children’s Courts came through it first.
It isn’t a classroom. Candidates observe real mediations, then co-mediate them, then run them under supervision — inside the Children’s Court itself, alongside practitioners already working the roll.
Beyond the Mentorship Programme, ACR Academy also runs additional training toward accreditation as a Rule 41A Gauteng Mediation Protocol mediator, extending the same court-based, mentored model to civil mediation under Gauteng’s court-annexed rules.
Not a training course. A bridge.
The Mentorship Programme isn’t a training programme under NABFAM’s definition — it’s what comes after. It’s built for mediators who are already trained and are seeking a practical pathway toward formal accreditation.
What it offers is structured, court-based exposure in a uniquely impactful environment: observing real mediations, co-mediating them, and eventually running them under supervision — inside the Children’s Court itself, alongside practitioners already working the roll.
Cultivating court-ready mediators
To cultivate a new generation of skilled, ethical, accredited family mediators. Rigorous training, structured mentorship and alignment with NABFAM standards equip every candidate to serve families and courts with integrity, professionalism and compassion.
A self-renewing mediation profession
A mediation profession in Gauteng’s Children’s Courts that renews itself year on year — where every accredited mediator becomes a mentor for the next, and access to justice grows because the pipeline never runs dry.
Three months. Three phases.
Observation
Candidates begin by observing real mediations alongside an accredited mediator, building a grounded understanding of process, documentation and the legislation that governs it.
Co-mediation
Candidates move to co-mediating with accredited mediators, developing practical skill under structured, hands-on feedback.
Supervised practice
Candidates mediate independently under close supervision, culminating in formal assessment and sign-off toward NABFAM accreditation.
The full curriculum — session structure, assessment criteria and supporting documentation — is proprietary to ACR Academy and shared directly with candidates and partner organisations upon enrolment.
Built to benefit more than the candidate.
Accreditation-ready
- Practical, case-based competence through real mediations
- Working knowledge of legislation, documentation and soft skills
- Regular feedback that supports long-term career growth
- CPD alignment once accredited, under NABFAM’s national standards
A steady pipeline
- A consistent supply of competent mediators for case referrals
- Standardised training and supervision that safeguards outcomes
- Alignment with nationally recognised NABFAM benchmarks
A self-renewing model
- A stronger culture of collaboration and ethical practice
- A volunteer pipeline that renews itself rather than depleting
- Greater credibility and visibility for mediation as a mechanism
Rigorous, accredited, and signed off.
Every candidate is formally assessed under a structured rubric before progressing toward accreditation. The assessment criteria are confidential to ACR Academy and its accrediting body, NABFAM.
Structured so it can be trusted.
Mediator compliance
- SLA and NDA signed annually by every mediator
- Aligned with the service-level agreement signed with each court
- Accreditation verified and certificates kept on file
Candidate oversight
- Training documents checked and kept on file
- Introductory session on Children’s Court process before first observation
- Candidates may approach their RMO if dissatisfied with a result
Data & reporting
- Full statistics recorded for every mediation attended
- Weekly reports emailed to senior magistrates and stakeholders
- Auditable supervision records maintained throughout
Ready to become court-ready?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Bring your NABFAM-recognised training — we’ll bring the courtroom, the mentors, and the supervised path to accreditation.