MEDIATION AND SOCIAL WORK-- A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

1. MEDIATION AND SOCIAL WORK-- A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Tweet us at #NASWIL

2. Ethics Ethics of Social Work Practice and the Helping Relationship: • Self determination • Confidentiality • Empowerment • Worth and dignity • Mutual support through human relationships • Competence in practice • Integrity Tweet us at #NASWIL

3. Ethics of Mediation: • Voluntary • Impartiality • Best interest of parties • Have control of the outcome-self determination • Private and confidential (must offer appropriate disclaimers) • Time limited and goal focused

4. Goals of Mediation: • Facilitated negotiation • Reach an agreeable outcome • Informal and non-adversarial • Strength focused • Shared commitment to the outcome • Opportunity to share story-demonstrated through active listening • Ending with a plan of action

5. Sett Setting the stage for mediation: • Introduction and setting the stage-what will happen next • Discuss the roles of the parties-including non-primary parties, such as family members. • Understanding how the parties ended up in mediation? • Is there a financial cost? • Explain parts of the process that may not be apparent. • Impartiality-staying neutral but always displaying concern for both parties • The process- define terms such as caucus, cross talk • Confidentiality • Voluntary

6. Ground rules (i.e.: no interruptions during opening statements, how long the session will last, how many sessions) • Provide adequate space-consider the placement of chairs, clocks, windows etc.

7. Setting the stage of the helping relationship: • Welcome and setting the stage • Roles of the parties- voluntary, caseworker, family member • Collecting data through an intake and assessment interviews • Establishing a relationship of good will • Confidentiality and limitations • Focused on goals and steps to reach them • Endings

8. The in’s and out’s of the helping relationship • Always be authentic-the true you. • Be mindful of your role. • Convey empathy and understanding. • Be aware of possible barriers to problem resolution. • Understand the limits of the helping process, by being realistic. • Focus on small tasks that lead to larger goals. • All interactions are purposeful (i.e.: self disclosure) • Usually time limited. • Access natural helpers and support people.

9. Know the resources and how to access them. • Remember, success comes in many forms. • You may be the only “cheerleader” in the crowd. • Use supervision to process the case • Consult with experts when needed.

10. The in’s and out’s of mediation: • Be positive and encouraging. • Never give up, there is a solution. • Be directive without directing. • Use basic interviewing skills such as reflection of feelings and summarization • Lean on your co-facilitator (if there is one) for assistance. • Watch the room, pay attention to subtle changes in the atmosphere. • Ask others (family members, support people) to share their insights.

11. Assure participants there is an ending point, either time runs out or the process has reached a natural ending point. • Write up the agreement in a detailed manner, who will do what and by when. • Offer next steps if parties are not satisfied with the outcome of mediation (i.e.: talk to the judge, caseworker, parent). • End the session on a positive note, even if an agreement has not been reached.

12. How to encourage participation in mediation: • It offers a resolution of your own making • It is confidential • It is time limited • It is binding • It is voluntary • It works!

13. Now try it.