Basic ENE Training (SENE & FENE)

SENE

Course Description:

The concept of Social Early Case Management is to assist parties in reaching resolution of family court cases before significant financial and emotional resources are expended on litigation. A Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) is one of these processes to help resolve issues around parenting time and custody. Ideally, parties are able to resolve matters before litigation begins to avoid entrenched dynamics, virtually guaranteeing a lengthy and expensive court battle. An ENE (Early Neutral Evaluation) usually follows from an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC). ICMCs are scheduled when the first pleading is filed. At the ICMC, the judicial officer explains ADR options to the particies, including the option to participate in available ENE program(s) and the benefits they have to offer. Participation in an ENE is voluntary and the decision to do so is made at the ICMC.

SENE is a confidential, settlement-oriented accelerated alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process that moves families through court in a quick, fair, and inexpensive manner. An SENE involved a two-person male/female team who meets with parties and their representing attorneys.

This course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to effectively facilitate a Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE). Participants will gain a deep understanding of the SENE process, including best practices for conducting evaluations, strategies for creating a supportive environment for participants, and techniques for managing complex dynamics that may arise. By the end of the course, professionals will be able to confidently guide and support parties through the SENE process, promoting constructive discussions and contributing to fair and balanced outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the goals and mechanics of the SENE process to clients and their attorneys.

2. State at least three factors to consider when forming a SENE team.

3. Participants will be able to state three different ways to enhance SENE team effectiveness.

4. Identify at least four ethical issues associated with conducting SENE’s.

5. Develop at least three methods to acquire information from clients and attorneys that will provide the SENE team with sufficient grounds to give clients and attorneys valid and reliable feedback about likely court and/or custody and parenting time evaluations.

6. Describe at least five ways to constructively prepare feedback for clients and to deliver the feedback effectively.

7. Describe at least five techniques to manage session behavior and create an atmosphere in the session that is conducive to a successful outcome.

8. State at least two methods for reaching an agreement and memorializing the agreement.

9. Participants will be able to identify the critical components of the SENE process.

10. Articulate how the SENE process differs from other forms of evaluative and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.

11. State three reasons why conducting SENE’s as part of a male-female team is the most effective and ethical way to provide the service.

12. State two methods for conducting the SENE with a settlement.

FENE

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain the FENE process to parties and their counsel.

2. Participants will be able to articulate at least 3 pre-FENE considerations.

3. Participants will acquire 3 techniques to use in an FENE to ensure that parties feel heard.

4. Participants will identify at least 3 different ways to collect needed financial information for an FENE.

5. Participants will develop 2 approaches to use in delivering an evaluative opinion.

6. Participants will learn 2 methods for concluding the FENE with or without a settlement.

7. Participants will identify 2 ways to memorialize the FENE agreement.