What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary, non-judgmental, and confidential dispute resolution process in which neutral trained mediators help people have difficult conversations and make plans about their conflicts. Mediation lets people speak for themselves and make their own decisions. Anyone youth can use mediation.

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  • Nuetral

    The mediator will not take sides, assess blame, or tell you what to do. The mediator will not force you to make a decision.

  • Confidential

    The mediation process is confidential, except in cases of child abuse, elder abuse, and credible threats of violence. The mediators will not give information shared in the mediation process with anyone outside the process.

  • Voluntairly

    Mediation is voluntary. Either participant can end the mediation process at any time and no one can be forced to agree to anything that they do not want.

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What kind of disputes can and cannot be resolved through Y.E.S youth mediation?

Y.E.S. Youth Mediation is most commonly used to help resolve issues that directly affect student relationships, such as:

  • School Gang affiliation

  • School rumors/ gossip

  • Social networking and other Internet-based provocations

  • Dissolution of friendships or romantic relationships

  • Minor bullying/harassment

  • Cheating on schoolwork

  •  Property theft

  •  Vandalism

  • Confrontations that result from differences in race, culture, sexuality, religion, status, etc.

*Not all conflict cases are appropriate for Y.E.S youth mediation. Case types that should be immediately referred to school counselors, administration, and/or outside authorities, as each individual school’s policies dictate, include:

  •  Drug abuse/possession

  • Weapon use/possession

  • Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse/assault

  • Suicide threats or attempts

  •  Any issue that might interfere with current or pending legal action or judicial rulings (such as restraining orders, etc.)