Basic ENE Training: SENE & FENE

Registration is now open for AFCC-MN SENE (November 16 and 17) and FENE Training (November 20)

MN Board of CLE - approved (14.5 SENE, 7 FENE)

MN Board of Psychology - approved (14.75 SENE, 7.75 FENE)

MN Board of MFT - approved (13.75 SENE, FENE n/a)

MN Board of Social Work - approved

ADR - approved

What? Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is an evaluative ADR process defined by Minnesota General Rules of Practice 114 as a process in which one or more Neutrals with experience in the subject matter of the dispute reviews information from the parties or their attorneys after the case is filed but before formal discovery is conducted. The Neutral may give an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a claim, case, or defense; an opinion of settlement value; and an opinion as to how the parties should expect the court to rule on the case or issue presented. The parties, with or without the assistance of the Neutrals, negotiate after hearing the Neutrals' evaluation. If settlement does not result, the Neutrals may help narrow the dispute and suggest guidelines for managing discovery. The 12+ hour SENE training program and 5+ hour FENE training program covers course requirements for application to the MN Supreme Court ADR Family Law Evaluative/Hybrid Neutrals Roster for SENE and FENE by offering a comprehensive overview of the ENE process with special emphasis on: FOR SENE:

• Pre-SENE considerations and staging the SENE;
• Introduction to the process and understanding of the judicial officer’s ICMC orientation;
• Addressing domestic violence;
• Learning the SENE process including steps of the SENE:Information gathering;   SENE team consultation;   Feedback;   Attorney-client caucus;   Negotiation;   Completing the process; and   Reporting to the court.

FOR FENE:

• Pre-FENE considerations;
• Addressing domestic violence;
• Learning the FENE process and discussing:The financial evaluative meeting;   Making sure the parties are heard;   Delivering the opinion;   Concluding the FENE; and   Finalizing the agreement

Who?  If you are considering serving as an ENE provider to help families work toward early resolution of their disputed issues, this is the course for you. The SENE training program includes the Initial ENE Provider Training required by the State and should be taken before the FENE course. There may be additional requirements and application processes in each county. Prior to completing either course, potential providers should first contact the ENE contact in the counties in which they wish to serve to learn about local requirements and whether the counties are accepting applications for new ENE providers. When? SENE Training – Thursday, November 16th and 17th; FENE Training – Monday, November 20th NOTE: Under Minnesota General Rules of Practice 114, in order to be considered a Qualified Neutral able to perform FENEs you must have also completed the certified SENE training. If you are looking to perform SENEs only, you do not also need to complete the certified FENE training. Where?  Registrants may participate online from the comfort of their homes and offices OR they can join us in-person at the Minneapolis offices of Our Family Wizard (OFW). Details to follow regarding parking/lunch options. Cost?  SENE Training - $500; FENE Training - $200; DISCOUNTED RATE FOR BOTH - $625 Trainers? Experienced ENE providers and AFCC-MN members including Tom Tuft, Jim Goetz, Susan Chambers, along with Erin Guyette, Lindsey O’Connell and other speakers will be your trainers.