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Dispute Resolution: Providing for Positive Youth Development and the Prevention of Violence

NCJ Number
149672
Journal
Forum Issue: 25 Dated: (Spring 1994) Pages: 1-7
Author(s)
R F Sherman
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In providing an overview of articles on the theme of "Dispute Resolution, Youth, and Violence," this article discusses how dispute resolution mechanisms contribute to positive youth development, facilitate conflict-resolution skills, and reduce bias.
Abstract
Following an overview of youth violence strategies, the author outlines the core components of positive youth development that emerge directly from the dispute resolution field. These include a problemsolving approach to conflict that views disputes as an ordinary aspect of living for which there are constructive mechanisms for resolution. It also involves youth in the resolution of their disputes so as to teach them dispute-resolution and decisionmaking skills. A major section of the article discusses how conflict-resolution skills can be taught and practiced in dispute settlements with youth. Several of the articles that follow in the journal catalogue the skills or actions used in the dispute-resolution field, generally, components of "win-win" strategies that can be placed in the context of youth violence-prevention strategies, either school- or community-based. The author argues that the dispute resolution field has significant theory and practice to contribute to a multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach. This involves expanding the applications of mediation and interest-based negotiation principles from the confines of individual classrooms, and even isolated community mediation centers, to reach into the lives of all sectors of neighborhoods, school district management, police, parents, and young people. Wider application of community problemsolving techniques can bring all relevant players into the process.