Social Work and Mediation: A Natural Fit

Topic(s):

Professional Practice

Webinar event date:

Sep 24, 2025 1:00 pm EDT

Webinar series:

Social Work and Mediation

Webinar link

Webinar Presenters:

Dr. Michael Saini, Ontario

Ph.D., M.S.W., R.S.W. Professor and Factor-Inwentash Chair in Law and Social Work University of Toronto

Dr. Michael Saini is a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, where he holds the endowed Chair in Law and Social Work and is cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He also serves as the Co-Director of the combined J.D./M.S.W. program. With over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of family law and social work, Dr. Saini brings a deep understanding of how social work values align with mediation practices. His research and teaching focus on trauma-informed approaches, child-inclusive dispute resolution, and evidence-informed policy development. He has authored more than 200 publications on parenting evaluations, family violence, and dispute resolution processes and regularly presents to international audiences on the evolving role of social workers in legal contexts. Dr. Saini is a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), and the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC), and is committed to strengthening the profession's role in peaceful, collaborative family law solutions.

Scott Cruickshank, Saskatchewan

C.M., B.S.W. Conflict Resolution Consultant with the Dispute Resolution Office, Saskatchewan Government

Scott Cruickshank is a Certified Mediator with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina. With over 25 years of experience in both community and government settings, he brings extensive expertise as a mediator, facilitator, trainer, coach, and dispute resolution consultant. Scott specializes in guiding individuals and organizations through difficult conversations and developing practical strategies to foster agreement and mutual understanding. He is passionate about the intersection of mediation and social work, and sees mediation as a powerful tool for ethical, client-centered practice and he emphasizes real-world application, reflective practice, and the transformative power of communication in resolving conflict.

Description

This webinar is part 1 of a 4-part webinar series on Social Work and Mediation, presented in partnership with Family Mediation Canada.

This webinar explores the natural intersection between social work and mediation, focusing on how the values, ethics, and skills of social work complement and enhance the mediation process. Dr. Michael Saini and Scott Cruickshank will reflect on their experiences in both fields to highlight how social workers contribute to safe, balanced, and child-focused dispute resolution. The session will examine how trauma-informed practices, empathy, cultural humility, and a systems lens equip social workers to address power imbalances and support durable outcomes in mediation. Participants will learn about emerging opportunities for social workers in mediation and the policy frameworks that support this integration across Canada.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core values of social work that align with the principles and goals of mediation.

2. Describe the ways in which social workers are uniquely positioned to serve as effective mediators in family and community disputes.

3. Explore the ethical and practical considerations for social workers engaging in mediation practice across diverse settings.