Parent/Adolescent Mediation(PAM) is a resource for parents and teenagers to help resolve conflicts within the family and identify helpful community services and supports.
Parent/Adolescent
Mediation
Or caregiver
Mediation
Or caregiver
Why participate in PAM?
Parent-Adolescent Mediation helps young people and their families resolve conflicts by reducing tensions, improving communication, and creating better understanding among family members.
It allows for equal input from family members to decide how their dispute will be resolved.
Mediation tends to be short-term and focuses on resolving current issues and planning for the future. Mediation is not counseling and is not intended to replace counseling or therapy.
Mediators are Kansas-Approved Parent-Adolescent Mediators who have experience working with families and teens. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including law, education, human service professions, clergy, public administration, and other areas.
Who can participate in PAM and how to access PAM?
* Youth ages 12-18 years old and their parent(s) or caregivers
*Concerns exist that youth may be at risk for removal into foster care
*Families reside in Shawnee Counties
* Referrals come from community agencies to county/district attorney who determines eligibility. Families choose to participate.
Is there a cost for participating in PAM?
There is no charge for this service
What are the focus & goals of PAM?
*PAM helps families resolve conflicts of everyday living. At the same time, it lets parents and young people learn new ways of handling strong emotions of family conflict.
* Example topics include: school attendance and performance, curfew and social life, household responsibilities, and privacy and communication
*A goal of PAM is to develop a mutually upon solution as a family
* Example topics include: school attendance and performance, curfew and social life, household responsibilities, and privacy and communication
*A goal of PAM is to develop a mutually upon solution as a family
How does PAM work?
First, a Parent Adolescent Mediator speaks individually with youth and their parent(s). The Parent Adolescent Mediator provides information about the process; gains an understanding of the family’s issues; and, with the family, makes an assessment to decide whether mediation is appropriate.
A joint session is then arranged for both the parent and youth to meet with the mediator. The mediator guides the family to identify issues; explore options that work for them; encourage productive communication; and, ideally develop an agreement.
A joint session is then arranged for both the parent and youth to meet with the mediator. The mediator guides the family to identify issues; explore options that work for them; encourage productive communication; and, ideally develop an agreement.