Mediation

A positive approach to conflict resolution

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Mediation

Why Mediation?

An introduction to NSYM

Mediation creates a safe, supportive environment for constructive communication. It helps to manage emotions so that each party has an opportunity to hear and to be heard.

Mediators facilitate productive communication and negotiation. They are neutral and impartial, helping participants to identify issues, discuss needs and interests, and generate ideas and options for solutions.

The mediation process itself teaches a critical life-skill. Exposure to new ways of expression and conflict resolution can build a foundation for developing healthy social and interpersonal relationships.

NSYM mediations are co-facilitated by youth mediators working with an adult mediator. Mediation is always confidential, informal and flexible. Participation is always voluntary.

Before mediation begins, the participants meet with the mediators to get acquainted and to learn about the process. They will also talk with the mediators privately about their concerns and interests. Mediation will be scheduled only if everyone agrees to continue.

Mediation is a positive approach to conflict resolution.

How can I make a referral to the Mediation Program?

To begin the referral process, please print, complete and submit the referral form (download it here) and send it to the mediation adviser along with any documents that would provide additional background information. The referral may be faxed to (907) 457-6791 or sent by email to the mediation advisor. All referrals and related documents are confidential and will be returned with a notice of the outcome of mediation. Mediation is always voluntary and confidential. NSYM is a non-profit organization, and the cost of a referral is a $25.00 service fee, which is due at the time of the first meeting. No other fees are charged for mediation.

Not all cases are appropriate for NSYC mediation. Each case is screened by the mediation advisor. If accepted for mediation, each party attends an intake conference with the co-mediators, and if appropriate, one or more joint sessions are held.

Please call (907) 457-6798 if you have questions or concerns about the program or your referral.

What types of mediation are offered?

Elements of more than one mediation style may be present in an individual mediation depending upon the relationships of the participants and the issues being mediated. At lease one participant must be between the ages of 12 and 18 years.

Victim-Offender Mediation is based on the philosophy of “Restorative Justice,” the purposes of which are to put key decisions into the hands of those most affected by crime, to make justice more healing and transformative and to reduce the likelihood of further offenses. The desired outcome of mediation is to increase juvenile offender accountability and to repair the harm of the offense, both physically and emotionally, providing closure for all parties and a strengthened community.

Parent-Teen Mediation facilitates a productive conversation between family members in an attempt to promote understanding and develop communication skills that will result in resolution of conflict. Parent-Teen mediation emphasizes the importance of listening and being heard on equal footing with balanced and fair negotiations. This program is designed to create a private way for family members to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings about issues that concern them and to find common ground.

Peer Mediation involves youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years who are in conflict or who have a disagreement. They both must desire to work out the problem between them, be willing to understand and respect their individual differences, and be willing to change the way they currently relate to each other. Mediation focuses on identifying issues behind the conflict. After mutually sharing their stories and being understood, the youth create options for mutual gain and choose a win-win solution.