NCJ Number
150051
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 27-30
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the author's attempt to teach conflict resolution skills to homeless boys residing in a medium-term accommodation unit in New South Wales (Australia).
Abstract
Up to six 13- to 18-year-olds reside in the fully supported unit for a maximum of 9 to 12 months. Between July 1991 and June 1993, 40 teenagers, twice as many boys as girls, lived at the facility. Conflict played a major role in residents' departures; many either were asked to leave or left or their own volition as a result of conflict with fellow residents or staff members. A significant proportion of these conflicts involved violence, ranging from a knife attack to physical attacks, throwing furniture around, a sexual assault, and vandalism to the facility. Teaching positive conflict resolution needs to be a priority in accommodation units, but residents' poor self-esteem often precludes success in this area. Staff members must learn to demonstrate positive, affirming ways of responding to conflict and facilities must have clear processes for dealing with conflict which are known to both staff and residents. Some of creative techniques that can be used to teach conflict resolution include the win/win approach, empathy, appropriate assertiveness, emotions management, mediation, and negotiation. 6 tables and 10 references