As you would know, conflict is a
normal part of life. As children reach adolescent years, there are many
issues that both young people and their parents have to deal with. Many
families find that during these years conflict becomes an increasing part
of their relationship.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a way of helping families
manage and resolve conflict in a constructive manner. It gives everybody
a chance to talk, to listen, and generally allows all parties to reach
understandings and perhaps some agreements. The mediation process generally
has three stages:
Intake
Mediation sessions
1. Intake
Intake is the first stage. It involves
each party having an opportunity to speak to the mediator individually
about their concerns of the conflict.
2. Mediation Sessions
These sessions involve all the family
members involved in the conflict to come together to discuss their issues.
There are generally between 2-4 sessions, each up to 2 hours in length.
The mediation process occurs in 5 steps.
Introduction - the mediator
explains the process and talks about the ground rules so it is fair for
all.
Statements - each person
has an opportunity to say what is going on for them, or what they see as
the main issues, while other parties listen.
Key issues - the mediator
will write up the key issues that the parties have said in their statements.
Negotiation - staying with
one issue at a time we begin to look toward the future and negotiate how
you want things to be.
Agreements - agreements are
not forced; mediation aims to ensure all parties are happy with
the agreements - to find win/win solutions.
What are the principles of mediation?
Confidential - what is said during
the sessions will not be discussed elsewhere, unless consent is given.
The exception is if there are safety concerns, then the appropriate authorities
would be notified.
Voluntary - each party chooses whether
to be involved in mediation. It works best when all parties are wanting
to resolve the conflict and are willing to look at what they can do ti
improve the situation.
Impartial - mediators do not take
sides, nor lay blame, but help to ensure it is a fair process.
What do mediators do?
Generally there are two mediators
who are there to facilitate the process. They do not solve the issues,
or tell families what they should do. Mediators assist the family to find
their own solutions. Mediators ensure everybody is participating and listening,
and there is fairness for everyone.
When is Mediation not appropriate?
Mediation can be effective in many
family conflicts. If however, mediation is unable to meet the families
needs, then we will look at finding a service that is more appropriate.
Evaluation of the program.
We aim to continuously improve the
service through feedback and research. Through the information you provide,
we can, over time, see what works for families and what does not. and thus
change, adapt, and improve such that we are meeting families needs.
We also have books that both
Parents and Young People can borrow, as well as information sheets
all available in the reception area.