Social Work and Mediation: A Perfect Partnership (1 PowerPoint)

MEDIATION AND SOCIAL WORK-A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
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Ethics
Ethics of Social Work Practice and the
Helping Relationship:
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Self determination
Confidentiality
Empowerment
Worth and dignity
Mutual support through human relationships
Competence in practice
Integrity
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Ethics of Mediation:
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Voluntary
Impartiality
Best interest of parties
Have control of the outcome-self determination
Private and confidential (must offer appropriate
disclaimers)
• Time limited and goal focused
Goals of Mediation:
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Facilitated negotiation
Reach an agreeable outcome
Informal and non-adversarial
Strength focused
Shared commitment to the outcome
Opportunity to share story-demonstrated through active
listening
• Ending with a plan of action
Sett
Setting the stage for mediation:
• Introduction and setting the stage-what will happen next
• Discuss the roles of the parties-including non-primary
parties, such as family members.
• Understanding how the parties ended up in mediation?
• Is there a financial cost?
• Explain parts of the process that may not be apparent.
• Impartiality-staying neutral but always displaying
concern for both parties
• The process- define terms such as caucus, cross talk
• Confidentiality
• Voluntary
• Ground rules (i.e.: no interruptions during opening
statements, how long the session will last, how many
sessions)
• Provide adequate space-consider the placement of
chairs, clocks, windows etc.
Setting the stage of the helping relationship:
• Welcome and setting the stage
• Roles of the parties- voluntary, caseworker, family
member
• Collecting data through an intake and assessment
interviews
• Establishing a relationship of good will
• Confidentiality and limitations
• Focused on goals and steps to reach them
• Endings
The in’s and out’s of the helping relationship
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Always be authentic-the true you.
Be mindful of your role.
Convey empathy and understanding.
Be aware of possible barriers to problem resolution.
Understand the limits of the helping process, by being
realistic.
Focus on small tasks that lead to larger goals.
All interactions are purposeful (i.e.: self disclosure)
Usually time limited.
Access natural helpers and support people.
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Know the resources and how to access them.
Remember, success comes in many forms.
You may be the only “cheerleader” in the crowd.
Use supervision to process the case
Consult with experts when needed.
The in’s and out’s of mediation:
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Be positive and encouraging.
Never give up, there is a solution.
Be directive without directing.
Use basic interviewing skills such as reflection of
feelings and summarization
• Lean on your co-facilitator (if there is one) for
assistance.
• Watch the room, pay attention to subtle changes in the
atmosphere.
• Ask others (family members, support people) to share
their insights.
• Assure participants there is an ending point, either time
runs out or the process has reached a natural ending
point.
• Write up the agreement in a detailed manner, who will
do what and by when.
• Offer next steps if parties are not satisfied with the
outcome of mediation (i.e.: talk to the judge,
caseworker, parent).
• End the session on a positive note, even if an
agreement has not been reached.
How to encourage participation in mediation:
• It offers a resolution of your own making
• It is confidential
• It is time limited
• It is binding
• It is voluntary
• It works!
Now try it.