Under 16’s Mediation Project

HYHG, Crashpad Mediation Project has secured funding through Children Schools and Families to develop a fifteen-month pilot project mediating with under 16’s and their family/main carer.

The Under 16’s Project commenced in August 2006 with Amanda Eyett in post as Under 16’s Mediation Co-ordinator and Sam Andrews in post as a full-time Under 16’s Mediator.

The aim of this project is to provide mediation as an early intervention strategy, with a view to tackle family breakdown and possible parental eviction before it reaches crisis point. The Mediators will work with the young person and their family/main carer using a solution focused approach to dealing with conflict. This enables all parties to interact in a non-judgemental, confidential space and work through their issues.

Mediating with this younger age group has an abundance of potential, not only as a tool to resolve immediate conflict and prevent homelessness. Other outcomes such as competencies, assertiveness, awareness of self and others can be carried forward and drawn upon by the service user in the future. Having the skills to cope with and work through a situation with the aid of mediation can have a positive effect on all involved. This project will draw guidance from and support the Every Child Matters agenda.

As with all forms of mediation, each referral will be treated individually. The Mediator will assess whether the process is appropriate for the parties involved. 

Who will be making the referrals?
Social Workers will make referrals directly to Amanda Eyett who can be contacted on 01707 272769 or via email on amanda.eyett@hyhg.org

How will this work in practice?
Amanda will attend all Placement Support Meetings when invited by Nicola Curley and Sue Goff. Upon being presented with new referrals and relevant information about the service user, Amanda will be able to inform the Social Worker if mediation would be appropriate. A “referral form” will be completed during the Placement Support Meeting to assist in making that decision. A confidentiality statement would need to be signed by the service user either at this meeting if present, alternatively at their initial information session with their Mediator.

Please note that although this is currently a pilot project, HYHG would over time like to see this kind of preventative work spread across the county with all agencies working together towards homelessness prevention.