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Mediation Involving Juveniles: Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Questions

NCJ Number
152333
Author(s)
R A Baruch Bush
Date Published
1991
Length
38 pages
Annotation
Twenty-five mediators were interviewed regarding ethical dilemmas they encounter in daily practice in juvenile mediation.
Abstract
The mediators interviewed for this study worked in the most common type of program providing mediation in cases involving juveniles, namely parent-child mediation programs. Two other types of programs providing mediation services for juveniles include school and juvenile offender mediation programs. The primary concerns expressed by the mediators during the data collection phase of this study pertained to confidentiality and reporting, separating mediation from counseling, directiveness, impartiality, consent, and detrimental reliance by family members on the outcome of mediation. These dilemmas are discussed here in terms of the unique character of juvenile mediation. Some of the issues raised in this study can be addressed through structural measures, training and standards, and research into juvenile mediation. 39 notes