Truancy Prevention Through Mediation Program Best Practices As the model of the program has grown and developed over more than 10 years, the Commission has worked with new and expanding programs to maintain as high a quality of mediation services as possible. There are many elements that lead to a successful program - training of mediators, support and involvement by the school district and the juvenile court, links to a variety of service providers, and others. Here are some, but certainly not all, Best Practices that have been found to be important. Additional information can be obtained through the contact listed at the bottom of this page. The mediator is a person trained in mediation in general and truancy mediation in particular, who does not represent any particular entity or interest but rather is in the room to facilitate the discussion and search for mutually acceptable solutions. Even if the mediator is a court employee, during the mediation the mediator is a non-connected neutral, and does not report what took place during the mediation to the school district or the court. Regular training for mediators, and opportunities for mediators to learn from each other at roundtables and through email best practices exchanges. Establishment of a task force which links together all the parties that work with students and their families: school district, juvenile court, Family and Children First Council, ODJFS, children’s services, etc. The task force typically meets four to six times a year. Mediations take place in the school, which allows the teacher to participate, to meet and speak with the parent/guardian, to share mutual concern for the student. Very often this is the first time the parent and teacher have met, and it can be a positive and healing experience. In-service sessions are held at the beginning of the school year to explain truancy mediation, discuss the model, discuss the teachers’ role, etc. Links are built and maintained to social service providers, through the task force and through regular contact. In addition, a list of social services is maintained at each participating school so that the information is readily available during mediations. Contact: Edward M. Krauss Director, Community and Court Programs 614-752-9595 ed.krauss@cdr.state.oh.us
State Home Page | OCDRCM Home  | The Commission | Updates | Useful Resources For Schools | For Courts and Communities | For State and Local Governments | Write to us