NCJ Number
141474
Date Published
1992
Length
146 pages
Annotation
This manual is designed to facilitate training efforts in mediation and conflict resolution for people who work with youth involved in gang activity and can also serve as a resource manual for those interested in teaching gang- involved youth constructive and nonviolent methods of resolving disputes in community, family, or school settings.
Abstract
The manual aims to help youth workers mediate interpersonal conflict among gang-involved youth, collaborate with other agencies to mediate multiparty gang disputes in school settings, teach basic communication and conflict resolution skills to youth, collaborate with community agencies in mediating conflicts between gang- involved youth and their parents, and respond with greater insight to conflicts associated with race and ethnicity issues. Particular attention is paid to conflict management styles, mediation principles, the mediation process, and the problem-solving process. The manual also covers the importance of understanding conflict, communication skills for mediators, family conflict and dysfunction, mediation effects, case management, and recordkeeping and data collection. The manual recognizes that breaking the cycle of violence requires children and youth to learn communication, conflict resolution, and anger management skills. Materials for and techniques of mediation and conflict resolution for gang-involved youth are included. An appendix notes additional resources by providing a bibliography of conflict resolution curricula and other materials, a list of national organizations involved in mediation and violence prevention, and articles that address the use of mediation strategies in cross-cultural conflicts in both school and community