How Mediation Works
With help from our skilled volunteer mediators, families can find new ways of talking and listening, which can result in improved relationships. Youth Alternatives Ingraham Family Mediation can help you and your family have productive discussions about rules, responsiblities and friends; open up a dialogue about substance abuse issues; explore choices; ease tensions and arguments that feel out of control; and help participants feel heard, understood and connected.
How does Youth Alternatives Ingraham Mediation Work?
Requesting a mediation
Families are referred to the program through schools, community programs, police/probation, friends and family. The Department at Youth Alternatives Ingraham answers the initial phone call, and after talking about their situation and the program with the family, refers the family to a Case Manager. Within one week, the Case Manager contacts a mediator and schedules the initial mediation. The Case Manager offers support to the family and the mediator throughout the entire process, and is always ready to provide resources as needed.
When the mediation begins
Mediations are always held at a neutral community location that can be reached in one-half hour by everyone involved. At the first session, the Case Manager meets briefly with the entire family to:
- Make sure everyone is participating voluntarily
- Explain the client's rights form and ensure that all family members sign
- Ask family members to fill out a pre-survey
An average mediation session lasts two hours. Most families meet for two to four sessions. If the family wishes, other individuals may participate at various times, with the agreement of all participants. If family members feel they need to express concerns privately with the mediator, they may meet individually with the mediator.
Mediators arrive at the mediation site prepared as a team. The case manager meets with the family to go over their rights and make sure everyone is at the mediation voluntarily; and to distribute a pre-survey. The family is then brought into the mediation where they meet the mediators and learn more about their roles and the mediation process.
When communication has improved
Mediators help families understand themselves, their situation, and other members of the family. They assist family members in finding new ways to talk and listen with each other, exploring options that may result in improved relationships with each other, and agreements everyone can live with and support.
If the family chooses to have a written agreement as a result of mediation sessions, the mediators and Case Manager can help draft a clear agreement that all parties understand and agree with.
WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION'S FUTURE?
The generous network of donors at Youth Alternatives Ingraham provide much-needed operating funds, allowing this vital service to remain accessible to ALL families in York, Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties. To contribute to Youth Alternatives Ingraham Family Mediation, visit the Fundraising portion of this site!
The Youth Alternatives Ingraham Family Mediation team is committed to reaching even more families within Cumberland, York and Sagadahoc counties. We are in the process of addressing how to effectively reach even more families, while remaining committed to quality mediation for Maine families.
In January 2001, our Family Mediation undertook a one-year pilot project to focus on the transformative mediation model. This orientation focuses less on specific outcomes, and more on how family members relate to one another. We adopted the transformative model of mediation in January 2002. Study groups for mediators meet on a regular basis to discuss and evaluate the mediators' skills and how they relate to the Transformative Model through role-plays, videos and discussions. Each of our volunteer mediators is expected to participate in at least four study groups annually. To learn more about study groups and trainings, visit our events page.