NCJ Number
108917
Date Published
1987
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides training, reference, and evaluation materials for community mediators, particularly those in the Community Dispute Settlement Program in Delaware County, Pa.
Abstract
An overview is provided of mediator training, training methods and processes, and objectives in the areas of skills, knowledge, attitudes, teamwork, and confidence. Actual training agendas will vary depending on the needs of the group. Reference materials provide guidelines for both formal and informal mediation, as well as checklists, sample documents, and exercises. Topics covered include premediation preparation, seating arrangements, opening statements, teamwork, confidentiality, the use of separate meetings, and listening skills. Other include facilitation, building agreement, consensus, defining issues, summarization, and finding solutions. Guidelines also consider writing an agreement and closing and followup. The use of informal mediation in the workplace, the family, and between children also is discussed. A self-evaluation of the process, the agreement, problems and strengths, and prejudices and feelings is included. Additional information and 17-item bibliography are appended.