1. How confident are you about resolving disputes?
Conflict resolution may be appropriate when:
there is recognition that though goals, values and needs are different, there is willingness, though maybe reluctantly, to try to resolve matters.
Conflict resolution may be inappropriate when:
the situation does not need equality, but your authority, to resolve it
there are obvious consequences needed
a young person is not engaging but seeking power by any means necessary.
See the Extra resources section to download a checklist for setting up and managing a conflict resolution session.
Case Study:
"Following a violent incident between Duncan, 11, and Emma, 15, Jay, a key worker, suggested that they spent time together to resolve the conflict that had been growing between them.
Jay waited until both children were calm and invited them to the 'quiet lounge' where they could sit and talk. He asked the other residents and staff not to disturb them. Both children began to speak at once and Jay suggested that they all agree not to talk over each other. Jay asked what both children would like to achieve from this conversation. Emma said that she wanted Duncan to stop swearing at her and Duncan said that he wanted Emma punished.
Jay explained that he wanted both of them to understand what the other was feeling. Jay asked them to explain what they perceived to have happened. He reiterated that they should try not to interrupt each other.
Duncan explained that he had been eating his lunch and having a joke with Emma when she threw a glass at him. Emma explained that Duncan has been swearing at her for months and she is sick of it. She stated that Duncan had said something particularly offensive and this was why she had thrown something at him.
Jay identified that a trigger for Emma's violence was being sworn at. Duncan acknowledged this. Jay helped Duncan think about when he swore at Emma. Duncan explained that it was when she only spent time with the older children in the house. Jay remained silent and allowed Emma to respond. Emma told Duncan that she doesn't want to spend time with him when he is so rude about her but she apologised for throwing a glass at him. Duncan apologised for his language. Emma said she would try and spend more time with him. Jay asked Duncan what he thought about this. Duncan said that he was pleased and that he would try not to swear. Jay praised them and said that he would arrange an activity for them both to do together. Jay ensured that the activity took place and shared the plan with other staff members."