Inadequate communication is the #1 cause for conflict. When left to grow untended, behavior and relationships are strongly and negatively affected. It is well documented that this can lead to criminal behavior. Based on this concept, it seemed logical to bring parents and troubled teens together to "talk" with the possibility of bringing about behavioral changes in the home. At Dispute Resolution Services (DRS), where I was Executive Director for six years, we had a Juvenile Offender program that brought the juvenile together with the person(s) he/she had offended. This proved to be a most effective and successful program.

Of course, Parent/Teen Mediation is not only for those who have broken the law but can be for situations in the home between parents and their teens.

TWO WAYS I CAN HELP YOU

If your relationship with your son/daughter is conflicted, I can make arrangements for a "safe meeting" (s) with all involved to meet together to discuss the areas of disagreement. You will each have the opportunity to openly share your concerns. Based on a proven track record, you will walk away with a mutually agreed-upon resolution...a plan for your future together.

MY EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA

Having learned of this concept and the value of it when Executive Director of Nueces County Dispute Resolution Center, I contacted the local Juvenile Justice Center. We jointly launched this program at the Juvenile Boot Camp in Corpus Christi, a County program. The youths were incarcerated for eight months, and went through stiff rehabilitation, both for substance abuse and to alter negative behavioral patterns.

Our program took place near the end of their stay. The parent(s) would come to the Boot Camp and meet with their sons or daughters in our mediation setting. The Mediation focused on how they were going to live together now that the young person had had this rehabilitation experience. They talked about chores, freedom limits, house rules, etc. The environment was safe for them to say things that they had never been able to say before. In one instance, a Mother came to the Mediations drunk, and her 14 year-old son lovingly confronted his Mother about her addiction. This showed how the young people were being educated about life skills and how to effectively use them.

The Boot Camp personnel reported changes in the youths' behavior as early as the day following the Mediation.. Because long-standing family behavior patterns were being changed, we realized that they needed time to process this new information. We, therefore, would meet with them in multiple sessions. They were basically learning a new form communication and how to feel safe with each other. They had finally been able to talk freely and safely with their parents.