The Illinois Guardian ad Item Mediator List is a list of mediators in the state of Illinois who are qualified to serve in cases where a child's best interests are at stake. The list is maintained by the Illinois Supreme Court and includes both court-appointed and private mediators. Court-appointed mediators are typically appointed by the court to represent the child in a family law dispute, such as a divorce or custody dispute. Private mediators are typically hired by the parties in a dispute to help them reach a mutual agreement. The list includes both certified and non-certified mediators. Certified mediators must have completed specialized training in child-centered family mediation and have an active certification from the Illinois Supreme Court. Non-certified mediators may have less experience or specialized training than certified mediators, but they are still qualified to serve as mediators in family law cases. The list also includes mediators who are members of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFC). AFC members are required to meet additional standards of ethics and quality assurance and have additional training in family dispute resolution. In addition to these types of mediators, the list also includes Collaborative Law mediators. Collaborative Law is a process that involves both parties and their attorneys working together to reach an agreement without going to court. Collaborative Law mediators are trained in the Collaborative Law process and typically have advanced training in dispute resolution and family law. Finally, the list includes Specialized Family Mediators. These mediators have specialized training in certain types of family law disputes, such as those involving domestic violence or substance abuse. In summary, the Illinois Guardian ad Item Mediator List includes court-appointed mediators, private mediators, certified mediators, non-certified mediators, AFC members, Collaborative Law mediators, and Specialized Family Mediators.