What is the Truancy Prevention through Mediation Program?

• Truancy Mediation Program is a program that uses mediation to address issues of absenteeism and tardiness for students in grades K-8.
• Through mediation, school staff, parents, and (if appropriate) students work together to identify the
  factors contributing to truancy and find solutions to the problem.
• Mediation is not a punitive measure...it is relationship building...

Why was the Truancy Prevention through Mediation Program started?

• Senate Bill 181 requires schools to take legal action for students once s/he has accumulated a specific
  amount of unexcused absences.
• The Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution developed the Truancy Mediation Program in order to address issues of absenteeism and tardiness in a timely, inclusive way. This program is a collaborative effort between Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS], Cleveland Mediation Center and your school district.

What will a mediation session look like? Who will the participants be?

• The school (teachers and/or staff members), the student's parent/guardian, and a trained, facilitator will
  meet together on school grounds, for no more than one hour per session.
• Each person present will be asked to explain his or her perspective on the situation and every one will be
  given the opportunity to talk, and will be expected to work with the others to find agreeable solutions.
• The mediator will facilitate the conversation, s/he may ask questions, and will help to ensure that everyone participates.
• The mediator is not there to be punitive, nor will they make decisions or tell anyone what they should do.
• Any agreements that are created are designed and agreed to by the participants themselves and are
  confidential as required by law.

What does the school need to do?

• The school must have at least one person from the school participate in the mediation.
• Designate a closed room with no walk-through traffic or ringing phones.
• Provide school rep w/ copy of student's attendance record and other pertinent information to be taken into mediation.
• Be willing to stay for the time period.

What do I need to do? (As the school rep, teacher, etc.?)

• If you are asked to be part of mediation, it is because you have been identified as having a unique
  perspective on the student with the truancy issues and you know the affect it has on your class.
• It may be helpful to think about what concerns you have about the student's absences, as well as what you have observed from the student, and any requests or ideas that you may have for the family.
• Participating in mediation provides a good opportunity for you to talk with the student's parent(s) about
  anything you feel is important [related to the student].

If you should have any further questions or concerns prior to or after mediation, please contact Wendy Boerger, Program Coordinator, at 216-881-5383 or Danielle Cosgrove, Cleveland Mediation Center, at 216-621-1919 ext. 105.