Evaluation of a conflict mediation program

Abstract

TThe aim of this study was to evaluate the Conflict Mediation Program analyzing its process, and identifying characteristics and interventions used that may promote or not the establishment of agreements. A qualitative study was conducted and the exploratory strategy was adopted. The procedure of Multiple Case Studies was used (Yin, 2005). Participants were people sent by the Forum of IMED-Passo Fundo for that seatrched for that program in order to solve litigation cases related to family disputes over children’s custody and/or regulation of visits. There were four case studies, each one composed by the parents and the children involved, and who have agreed to participate. Data were collected at different times. In the first stage, the selected cases were assisted by the Program for Conflict Resolution of Imed – Passo Fundo. This service was conducted by another team different than the one which the researcher belongs to. The interviews were recorded, with permission, and transcribed. In the second stage, four months after the end of a successful mediation process, they were interviewed again in order to check whether the agreement was kept. The data were analyzed according to the method of theoretical propositions by Yin (2005). The main findings pointed to a positive outcome of the mediation process in terms of the agreement between the participants as well as a recovery of dialogue and communication between the people involved. The most successful interventions were the ones that focused on the present and future of those involved in the process and also in, overcoming the conflict.

Key words: mediation, family conflict, Mediation program.