How do Family Mediation sessions work?  

Mediation sessions are private and confidential.  Trained volunteer mediators are neutral parties who listen, ask questions, and do not place blame.  The mediators assist family members with voicing individual concerns, brainstorming possible solutions, and discussing issues to find new ways of managing conflict.

Families strengthen their communication and problem solving skills while gaining insight into each other's needs.  Mediation concentrates on creating changes for the future rather than what went wrong in the past. The goal is for families to reach jointly developed solutions that are realistic, an accurate reflection of the issues raised in mediation, and all parties believe are fair.  (The mediators do not create the solutions for families).  The mediators continue meeting with the family to provide follow-up as needed.