What is the referral process? 

The Mediation Program will arrange for a confidential intake interview with the entire family. During the intake interview, basic information about the situation is obtained from each person. The mediation process is explained and each person is asked for voluntary participation. A mediation session will be arranged at the convenience of all parties. 

Anyone interested in mediation can contact the Mediation Program at 672-2711 or e-mail

FOR PROFESSIONALS (schools, police, courts, clergy, counselors, human service agencies, etc.) mediation can:  

• Provide an alternative to court appearance (prevention of CHINS petition) or prevent repeat court appearances

• Help families work out specific, concrete ways to live together cooperatively create an alternative to removing an adolescent from home

• Help parents and children through difficult adjustments before, during and after substitute placement. 

• Provides a means for prevention in instances of family violence.

• Help to keep adolescents in school (even after age 16), prevent tardiness/ truancy, and improve performance.

• Help to eliminate fighting and disruptive behavior