Focus what is mediation

Family mediation is a way of resolving disputes that could be caused by any of the following:

• step families
• family break down
• divorce
• domestic violence
• sibling rivalry
• boundaries such as a suitable time to come in at night/amount of pocket money
• school/homework
• chores at home
• relationships/friends
• anti social behaviour

The mediation process helps young people and their parents/carers to look for their own solutions to their disagreements.

All parties explain their concerns and needs to each other on neutral territory and in the presence of a qualified family mediator.

The mediator will not take sides, judge or blame. They are simply there to smooth the progress of the family’s own discussions. Mediators will help to create an environment in which all people involved can express their views while everyone else present is encouraged to listen without interrupting.

Sometimes the mediator may suggest a way of solving a problem to help reach an agreement acceptable to everyone but they will never tell those involved what to do. Mediation aims to achieve a win-win situation where all people involved are satisfied with the outcome.

Any local young person and their family can use the service providing that all parties are willing to participate.

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