1. What is it and how does work in schools?

2. 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. 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.

3. The Aim To improve relationships To improve relationships Address behavioural problems in school Address behavioural problems in school Increase attendance Increase attendance Prevent Homelessness Prevent Homelessness

4. 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. 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.

5. The Process 2. Meeting with the parents/carers. This is a chance for the parents/carers to raise and discuss their issues. This is a chance for the parents/carers to raise and discuss their issues.

6. 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. 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.

7. 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.

8. Sample of Agreement

9. What Happens Next ? When and if it is required ongoing support is available for the young person to improve any of the following. 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. Anger Management, Self Esteem, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Sexual Health Awareness or if necessary a referral can be made to a specialised agency.

10. Questions and Answers How long does the support last? 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. 1-2-1 sessions.

11. Questions and Answers What if one of the parties do not want to engage in the process ? 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.

12. Questions and Answers Who can make a referral ? 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.