Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) Mediation

PINS mediation is for youth ages 8-17 that are in conflict with a parent(s) or school. Mediators assist youth and parents and other interested parties identify concerns and develop solutions.  PINS Mediation is offered as an alternative to the court process.

There is no cost to participants.

Available in the following counties: Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben and Yates

Contacts:

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction


Special Education Mediation/Early Intervention Mediation

The Center for Dispute Settlement provides mediation services to school districts in its service area that voluntarily decide to make mediation available to parents in order to improve communication and cooperation in matters related to special education programs and services. Mediation is an additional due-process procedure that a school district may choose to make available.


Special Education Mediation 

Special Education Mediation may be initiated by either parent or the school district if there is a dispute regarding the services that a special needs child is receiving, or the manner in which the Individual Education Plan (IEP) is being interpreted and fulfilled.

Any agreements reached in mediation are incorporated into the child’s IEP.

By requesting mediation the parent does not lose the right to request an Impartial Hearing .


Early Intervention Mediation

The Early Intervention mediation program provides mediation services for parents who disagree with the Individual Family Service Plan/IFSP constructed for their child. This mediation takes place prior to an impartial hearing request.

Requests may address:

  • What kinds of services are being offered
  • How often services will be provided
  • How long services will be provided
  • What service model is best
  • Where services will be provided

Available in the following counties: Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates

Contact: Annette McMillan-Hutchinson at amcmillian@cdsadr.org

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction


Peer Mediator Summits

Since 1992, the Center for Dispute Settlement (CDS) has conducted Peer Mediator Summits. The annual Programs are offered to students who are peer mediators from school districts across our eight-county service area.

Summits bring students together to network and share information about their school's program with students from other schools, receive in-service training on topics relevant to mediating and to network. In-service topics have included confidentiality, impartiality, agreement writing and practice of their skills in role plays.

Students and faculty/staff who will serve as mediators, along with adults who will coordinate the program, benefit from this program.

Currently, CDS organizes three separate Peer Mediator Summits involving approximately 100 students each.

There is a separate Summit for elementary schools, junior high/middle schools and high schools.

Available in the following counties: Monroe County

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction


Peer Meditation (Elementary, Middle and High Schools)

Designed to have participants reach a competence level to function as mediators at completion of training including:

  • Provide orientation to the mediation process including impartiality, confidentiality, and realistic commitment to future behavior.
  • Practice each step including opening statement, active listening, moving to solutions, coping with difficulties, and writing agreements.
  • Receive feedback on learning and performance.
  • Role-play mediation situations.

Available in the following counties: Monroe County

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction


Developing 21st Century Problem Solvers 

Designed to have participants reach a competence level in the following topics:

  • Anger Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Problem Solving

Available in the following counties: Monroe County

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction


Rochester After-School Academy (RASA)

The City of Rochester in cooperation with the Rochester City School District and the Center for Dispute Settlement , provide an After School Academy at Wilson Magnet High School. The program is designed to provide opportunities for academic enrichment, behavior modification and increase attendance during the day school by providing after school activities. The program is funded by Developing 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs.

Examples of the activities offered in this program are:

  • Homework academy which assist students with their homework
  • Dance
  • Art Classes
  • Choir
  • College Tours
  • Fashion Design
  • Business / Technology Classes
  • Life Skill Trainings
  • Career and Job readiness trainings
  • Cooking Classes
  • Anger Management Trainings
  • Violence Prevention Summit
  • Performing Arts
  • Poetry

Available in the following counties: Monroe/City of Rochester

Delivered at the following CDS offices: Wilson Magnet High School

Return to top of page or to Youth & Schools Introduction

Last updated: Monday, May 22, 2006