The Association for Conflict Resolution Family Section began as the Academy of Family Mediators. The section is large, having over 1,000 members, and is devoted to improving the practice of family mediation. Family mediation involves much more than divorce mediation, working with parents and teens, elder care issues, estates, reconciliation of estranged family members, and all other aspects of family mediation.

Section members consists of very experienced mediators, such as the Advanced Practitioners, as well as less experienced mediators who are seeking opportunities for professional growth. There are also many students, scholars, and trainers within the section membership.