Mediation

An alternative approach to conflict resolution

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Mediation

WHY MEDIATION?

An introduction to NSYMP

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.

Mediations are co-facilitated by a trained NSYMP youth mediator and an experienced adult mediator. Mediation is confidential, informal and flexible. Participation is always voluntary.

Prior to mediation, cases are screened for appropriateness, and participants meet individually with the co-mediators to discuss the process, begin to identify issues, and determine if mediation would be beneficial or advisable.

How can I make a referral to the Mediation Program?

To refer a youth to the Mediation Program, please print, complete and submit the referral form (download it here) and send it to the mediation advisor along with any documents that would provide additional background information. 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.

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 if you have questions or concerns about the program or your referral.

What Types of Mediation are Offered?

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.