Mediation and Young People: A Look at How Far We've Come
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Authors
Cottam, Glenda L.
Issue Date
1996
Volume
29
Issue
Type
Journal Article
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
INTRODUCTION|Teaching mediation skills and other alternative conflict resolution techniques to our youth today may well be the crucial investment for our society's peaceable future. However, despite an increase in the acceptance and use of mediation, many attorneys, mental health providers, and other professionals express confusion as to the nature and purpose of mediation. This Article offers an introduction and overview of many of the current uses of youth mediation services. Further, this Article will offer readers a summary of the concerns and challenges associated with the process. This author hopes that readers will become familiar with youth mediation issues and the strengths and problems inherent in mediation and will acknowledge the usefulness of youth mediation after reading and thinking about the ideas and information contained in these pages. Since the early 1980s, there has been a marked growth in the use of mediation to resolve disputes involving children and youth, especially in three areas - dealing with student conflicts in elementary or secondary school, assisting with the resolution of parent-child conflict, and providing options to the courts when interpersonal conflicts have led to complaints against juvenile offenders. Proponents of mediation report that, among other advantages, this form of alternative dispute resolution can improve communication - especially when there is an ongoing relationship such as that of a family or family-like structure....
Description
Citation
29 Creighton L. Rev. 1517 (1995-1996)
Publisher
Creighton University School of Law