Youth Behavior Improves Through Mediation Program
Program funded by Butler County United Way

More than 80 percent of youth with prior behavior issues are not returning to court after taking part in a program run by the Alcohol & Chemical Abuse Council. These results are from the Status Offender and Misdemenor Mediation (SOMM) Program.

Youth charged as status offenders take part in the program . A status offender is a criminal charge for youth and this includes, but is not limited to, runaways, truancy or acts of unruly behavior.

The SOMM Progam provides an environment where youth and their parents can have a discussion about resolving behavior issues while in the presence of a mediator.

"The program puts parents and children on equal footing with the aid of a trained mediator," said Tom Kelechi, CEO & President of Alcohol & Chemical Abuse Council. "It works towards a negotiated solution between parent and child."

Youth taking part in the SOMM Program have shown improved behavior both at home and at school.

Results show the following for clients who completed the mediation process 8 to 18 months ago.

• 96% of youth experienced improved behavior at home after mediation; 61% show significant improvement.
• 92% of youth experience improved behavior at school after mediation, 67% show significant improvement.
• 98% of families experienced improved communication after mediation; 69% show significant improvement.

"The SOMM Program helps improve overall communication between parent and child," said Tom Kelechi. "It helps strike to the heart of many family and community issues."

Butler County United Way has helped fund the SOMM Program for the last two years.