MEND - a school based diversion program

As a result of three year funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services together with funding from both the Ontario Education Services Corporation and the Ministry of Education; the Youth Diversion Program (YDP) and the Limestone District School board (LDSB) are implementing a School Based Diversion (SBD) or M.E.N.D. pilot program (Mediating by Empowering with Nurturing Dialogue) for youth.

Mediating Ends Negative Disagreements is based on a philosophy of ‘mediating by empowering with nurturing dialogue’.  MEND incorporates all the principles and practices of Restorative Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution but takes a more comprehensive and tailored approach to resolving conflict.  Tapping into years of knowledge and experience from mediation practitioners in our area, MEND is structured in a way that is user friendly for the facilitator, strives to prevent any potential for further harm for the victims (acted upon) and ensures accountability on the part of offenders (acted out).

MEND utilizes a number of effective strategies to overcome conflict at the source, either through a MENDing conversation or a variety of MENDing Circles. The MENDing Conversation is a one-person facilitation between disagreeing parties.  For more complex conflict or more serious matters the MENDing Circle utilizes a dual facilitation model, which provides greater support and intervention. 

MEND is currently being piloted out of LCVI, Calvin Park, Ernestown S.S., Odessa Public, NDSS and Westdale.   It is the intent of the pilot over the next 3 years to incorporate the practices of MEND in as many schools as possible and provide training to as many staff as possible as well.

The aim of this project is to improve school engagement and attachment by providing an alternative disciplinary approach.  Ultimately the intention is to encourage pro-social behaviour; including improved conflict management skills and an understanding of the impact of harmful behaviour.  Repairing harm and re-building relationships are primary outcomes. We further anticipate a reduction in the number of suspensions and expulsions as well as improved student retention.

Shawn Quigley, Intervention Specialist squigley@youthdiversion.org