Working with Schools Families to prevent Depaul UK

							What is it and how does work in
             schools?
            MEDIATION
          • Mediation is a fair,
non judgemental, confidential process that
   empowers the clients to identify their
problems and helps them to find achievable
ways of improving positive relationships and
                behaviours.
             The Aim

       • To improve relationships
• Address behavioural problems in school
         • Increase attendance
        • Prevent Homelessness
           The Mediation Process
                  Is split up in to three areas.

      1.    1-2-1 support sessions for the young person.

These sessions are used assess the needs of the young person, to
 build rapport and trust which helps the young person to open up
 and talk about the issues that maybe influencing their behaviour.
        The Process
2. Meeting with the parents/carers.



This is a chance for the parents/carers to
    raise and discuss their issues.
            The Process
     3. Joint meeting with the family.

   When both parties are ready a meeting is
 arranged in a neutral setting. Here they can
   discuss all the problems that have been
highlighted in a calm environment and then an
         agreement can be written up.
                   The Process
        3 cont: To draw up a realistic agreement.


The issues that are the most important to both parties and
   that are realistically achievable will be written up in an
   agreement. This will be signed by everyone concerned
                     including the mediator.
  The agreement can be reviewed at regular intervals.
                   Sample of Agreement



       AGREEMENT BETWEEN Jane and Mr & Mrs Green
              Date of agreement: 25/03/2011
Mr and Mrs Green and Jane have participated in mediation in order to
improve aspects of the relationship with each other and how to go
forward.

Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane have contributed to the process by
having an open exchange of views around a number of topics that have
concerned them, and have reached agreement about how to improve the
relationship between them.
They all agreed to attempt to rebuild their relationship by respecting the
agreement and by each taking responsibility.

1.   “Communication ” Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that:

They will all be more aware of each others need to communicate so they
are aware of the others feelings. This will be done with respect and they
will try to be more open and honest with each other.

Jane will be provided with an alarm clock so she is late getting up in the
morning.

2. “Time keeping & quality time”
 Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that:
Jane will return home at 8:30 on school nights and at an agreed time at
weekends and will maintain contact by phone.
 They will all try to sit together for some family meals.

3.   House hold chores: Both Mr and Mrs Green and Jane agree that:

Jane will take responsibility for tidying her room and ensuring her clothes
are put in the laundry basket. Mr and Mrs green will provide Jane with a
laundry basket.

4. In the event that this agreement needs revisions, or proves not to hold
between the parties, the mediator will be contacted to consider further
meetings between the two.

The mediator will, in any event, contact Mr and Mrs Green and Jane by
16/04/2011, to assess how things are going.


Signed-----------------------(Jane)Signed-------------------------------(Mr& Mrs Green)


Signed------------------------ (mediator)          Dated---------------------
      What Happens Next ?
• When and if it is required ongoing support is
available for the young person to improve any of
                   the following.
• Anger Management, Self Esteem, Drug and
Alcohol Awareness, Sexual Health Awareness or
     if necessary a referral can be made to a
                specialised agency.
    Questions and Answers
       • How long does the support last?

A: As long as it takes, there is no maximum limit
 but the aim is to have a family mediation session
                   after about 3-5,
                    1-2-1 sessions.
     Questions and Answers
   • What if one of the parties do not want to
             engage in the process ?

A: We will support the young person by giving the
    support and empowering them to make the
      improvements that they have indicated.
      Questions and Answers
          • Who can make a referral ?
                     Anyone.
We accept referrals from schools, parents, Social
      Services, Adolescent Resource Centre,
  Connexions, Police even self referrals can be
                        made.
We are happy to discuss the issues if you are not
   sure if the referral is relevant to our service.