NCJ Number
160490
Journal
Update on Law-Related Education Dated: (Spring/Summer 1991) Pages: 7-10,45
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Over the past several years, mediation has achieved increased recognition as alternative means of conflict resolution for young people and as an effective tool in dealing with a variety of youth-related issues.
Abstract
In particular, the New Mexico Center for Dispute Resolution has developed programs that introduce conflict resolution skills and the mediation process to targeted children, youth, and families who could easily become or are already involved in the juvenile justice system. Similar programs have been developed throughout the United States for use in a wide range of interpersonal and community conflicts. The mediation process allows people to resolve conflicts in a nonthreatening and nonpunitive atmosphere through the use of effective communication and problem-solving skills. Mediators are third-party neutrals who help people in a dispute express their points of view, vent feelings, clarify needs and issues, and negotiate satisfactory agreements. Application of the mediation process to conflicts involving young people holds great promise because the juvenile justice system is not always the appropriate forum for resolving youth-related issues and the mediation process itself has significant teaching value for young people. Overall goals of youth mediation programs are to improve communication and conflict resolution skills, enhance family functioning, improve the school environment, prevent juvenile violence, and reduce community tension. Program models for school mediation, parent- child mediation, and victim-juvenile offender mediation are described, as well as mediation programs in the juvenile corrections setting. New directions in mediation and conflict resolution for juveniles prior to and during involvement in the juvenile justice system are noted.