The Basic Components of Mediation

There are innumerable varieties of functional models. Some models are very prescriptive and require that a specific skill be applied at a particular point during the mediation session. For example, a model might require a caucus where the mediator speaks with each individual separately. Other models may prohibit the mediator from bringing the parties together in the same room. Models have been created for panels of two or three mediators. Cross-cultural models focus on establishing shared understanding. Community mediation programs using volunteers with minimal training sometimes adopt a “trust the model” philosophy that involves lock-step phases proven to be effective with relatively simple cases involving neighbors. The therapeutic family mediation model includes an assessment step to detect families with violence or other issues that could make child custody mediation problematic. Juvenile victim-offender models include steps that change depending on the age of the offender. Public school or playground peer mediation models are simplified to fit the sophistication level of child mediators. One peer mediation model for grades 6 through 12 instructs the adult coordinator to select and screen the cases that are then mediated by students using a five-step model similar to Domenici and Littlejohn’s:

1. Agree to solve the conflict

2. Explain the conflict

3. Brainstorm possible solutions

4. Choose a solution

5. Do the solution