Community Mediation Services seeks volunteer mediators for three separate mediation programs - the Visitation Mediation Program, the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP), and the Teen & Parent Mediation (TPM).
Through VMP co-mediators provide a neutral setting in which to facilitate a voluntary discussion between custodial and non-custodial parents. This discussion generally concludes with a mutually negotiated agreement for a visitation plan for the children and the non-custodial parent. Mediators assist parents in resolving visitation issues in a fair, respectful, and confidential way. The Anderson County Juvenile Court refers cases from the Child Support Docket to the program.
Through VORP, community volunteer mediators bring the victim and offender of property crimes together to discuss the crime, talk about the crimes impact, and make decisions about what needs to be done to repair the harm done by the crime. Most offender participants in VORP are juveniles. Studies have shown that juveniles who participate in the program are less likely to commit future crimes as are juvenile offenders who do not participate in the program. VORP gives the victim a voice and the offender an opportunity to make amends for the harm done.
Through TPM, volunteer mediators help teens and parents develop agreements for daily living that everyone agrees are fair and realistic. Although TPM isn't a cure-all for family problems, it does let teens and parents air their concerns openly in a respectful manner, often for the first time. TPM boosts cooperation, trust and joint decision-making
Volunteer mediator training consists of 30 classroom hours followed by an internship with a staff person. Training includes basic communication and conflict resolution skills in addition to program specific training.
The requirements for volunteer mediators are an ability to listen, a nonjudgmental attitude, and a desire to contribute to the peaceful resolution to conflict in the community. For more information, please call Community Mediation Services at 463-6888.
