Parent-Youth Mediation

We don't need counseling. We need a plan to help us get along."
"I've tried to talk with him about it. We just end up shouting at each other."

Does this sound familiar? Parent-youth Mediation may be the answer.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a chance for parents and teens to have safe and positive conversations about family disagreements and conflict at home. Trained mediators help youth and parents talk about specific problems such as communication problems, school performance, dating, curfew, rules at home, and more.

Mediators help the family think of ways to improve the future and not blame one another. They help parents and teens identify problems, talk about what is important to each person, and create agreements that everyone can live with.

What might you discuss during mediation?

• House rules about curfew, dating or chores
• Respect and fairness
• Friendships
• Siblings
• Violence
• Runaway and juvenile justice
• School attendance and grades
• Custody issues

What can you expect during mediation?

• You can tell the mediators what is going on for you and what you hope will happen in mediation.
• With the mediators help, you will search for solutions to the problem.
• Mediators will help you communicate your feelings about what is happening.
• You will work on mutually agreeable solutions.
• Mediators will help you put the solutions in a written agreement.

What do I need to know about using the service?

• Parent-Youth mediation is voluntary and confidential.
• It is free when referred from schools, counselors, and the juvenile court system.
• Mediations are scheduled Monday-Thursday, during the day or evening, to accommodate schedules.
• The mediation sessions typically last for 1.5 hours. Follow-up sessions may be scheduled if all issues are not addressed.

For more information, contact the Youth Services Manager at:

Phone: (360) 692-1579 or
voices@kitsapdrc.org