Peer Mediation

   LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO, INC.  

Peer mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process. It is a complementary process to the regular disciplinary procedure. Peer mediation is successful because it empowers students, which motivates them to behave more responsibly.

When a staff peer mediation coordinator identifies an appropriate conflict and the disputants agree to mediation, the coordinator refers the disputants to two peer mediators. At the mediation, the disputants discuss the facts, as they see them, and their feelings about the problem. Each disputant listens to the other and repeats what they hear, so as to open their eyes to the other's point of view. Aided by the mediators, the disputants devise possible solutions for resolving their conflict to ensure that the problem will not occur again.

Peer mediation is successful in reducing conflicts among students. Approximately 90% of all mediation sessions result in an agreement that satisfies both parties as well as teaches, administrators, and parents. Teaching students the skills for solving conflicts not only improves their lives, but also improves the schools in which they learn.

How will peer mediation affect the community?

Peer mediation has been conducted very successfully in San Diego County schools for over ten years. It has a proven record of reducing school violence and improving the school environment.

Studies show that the vast majority of schools with a peer mediation program reported a significant reduction (83-86%) in student violence and hurtful behaviors since the mediation program was implemented.

What does peer mediation training entail?

Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program staff and volunteers conduct peer mediation training in six one-hour sessions. Students are given peer mediation folders that introduce the "script" to use when conducting a mediation session.

The training sessions include games designed to strengthen participants' listening and communication skills.

Students also participate in mock mediations to practice their newly acquired listening and communication techniques.

How is the peer mediation program implemented?

The Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program and school staff meet to discuss implementing the Peer Mediation Program. Once a staff peer mediator coordinator and student peer mediators have been nominated, the Pro Bono Program staff and our trained mediator volunteers provide a six-hour training program designed to teach mediation skills to students. Once students are trained as peer mediators, the school institutes a program which best suits its needs.

For example, in elementary schools, peer mediators, acting in pairs, patrol the playground during recess to identify conflicts. They report to the staff peer mediation coordinator on any observed conflicts. The coordinator then evaluates the situations and determines which is appropriate for mediation. Two student mediators will mediate the dispute under supervision of school staff.

The Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program continues as a consultant to the school and is available as needed by the school to ensure the success of the program.

Who may volunteer?

No prior experience is necessary to participate. A one-hour training video is available for adults (earns 1-hour General MCLE credit). Volunteers are mentored as needed by experienced peer mediation trainers at the school sessions.

Interested volunteers should contact the staff peer mediation coordinator at their school or the Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program Staff Attorney at 619-471-2731.

How may I have this program taught at my school?

If you are interested in having this training conducted at your school, please complete and return the Request for Peer Mediation Training below.

Call 1-888-LEGAL AID (1-877-534-2524) or, complete the referral form below and mail it or bring it to:

Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program

1475 Sixth Ave, 4th Floor

San Diego, CA 92101

Or fax the form to 619-471-2774, or email the form to rebeccas@lassd.org

We will discuss your school's particular needs with you and set up a training schedule to accommodate your school's needs and schedule. Staff also prepares the booklets that will be used during the training.

Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Program volunteers, in addition to the volunteers recruited by the school, will help conduct the peer mediation training at your school.

Mediation and Restitution Services (SD MARS)

1475 Sixth Ave. 4th Floor  San Diego, CA 92101

REQUEST FOR PEER MEDIATION TRAINING

Date:________________________

Institution:_______________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact person:______________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone/e-mail:____________________________________________________________________________________

Number of volunteer trainers recruited by school:  Adults:___________________________Students______________

Students to be trained:  Number______________________________ Age range:_______________________________

Languages spoken by students:___________________ _____________________________________________________

Convenient dates and times for training:_________________________________________________________________

Specific requests regarding training:

Is peer mediation/conflict management/peace patrol currently in place?

If yes, please give a brief description of the program.

Family mediation services are provided in collaboration with:

La Raza Lawyers Association of San Diego

Pan-Asian Lawyers Association of San Diego

Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association

Pilipino American Lawyers of San Diego