JuMP

Objective

To provide an additional alternative for dealing with juvenile offenders. Disputing parties are given the opportunity to meet with a neutral third party and negotiate all of the elements involved to reach a mutually acceptable and achievable agreement.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a chance for disputing parties to come together and talk, uninterrupted, allowing each side of the dispute to be heard.  After defining the problem, solutions are created and then evaluated.  Once an agreement is reached, it is prepared and signed.  The mediator does not decide the outcome of the mediation, but rather guides negotiations towards obtaining a compromise and settlement. 

Why Mediation?

• Avoids the cost, delay, and inconvenience of formal court proceedings.
• Promotes the development of problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Provides empowerment and personal responsibility.
• Helps prevent future involvement with the juvenile system.

What is the Referral and Intake Process?

• The Wood County Prosecuting Attorney's C.Y.C.L.E. Program receives the initial complaint.
• The case is reviewed to determine whether mediation is appropriate.
• If the case meets the criteria for mediation, the disputing parties are then notified of the date, time, and location of the mediation.

Click here to download the JuMP referral form.

How Long Will Mediation Take?

The mediation session will last approximately 1 hour, depending on the issues which are being mediated. The parties may meet for only one session or be asked to return for a second or third session.

What About Confidentiality?

Everything that is said during the mediation session is confidential. This means that nothing said during a mediation session can be repeated or used against any of the parties at a later time. However, if issues involving physical or sexual abuse arise, law enforcement and Children Services must be notified.

What if an Agreement is Reached?

If an agreement is reached, the case will remain open for 90 days.  If any part of the mediation agreement is violated during this period, the case will be closed and may be referred for formal processing by the Juvenile Prosecuting Attorney in the Wood County Juvenile Court.

What if no Agreement is Reached?

If no agreement is reached, or parties fail to show, the case will be referred back to the originating party.

Types of Mediation:

Victim Offender

Victim Offender mediation gives crime victims the opportunity to share with the offender their thoughts and feelings of being victimized.  It also allows the victims the opportunity to explain what they need to restore their sense of safety and/or obtain restitution for damages.

Delinquency/Unruly

Mediation for delinquency and unruly cases provides an opportunity for the parties to discuss their roles in the dispute.  Many times mediation is the first time disputants feel they have been heard without arguments ensuing.

Truancy

Truancy mediation is a tool that schools can utilize to ensure a student's success.  The process brings together school personnel, parents, and students to develop a solution to their truancy concerns.  By approaching the issue as a team, the factors leading to truancy can be addressed and often resolved.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents are also welcome to make referrals to the JuMP program. If a parent has concerns regarding their child's unruliness, they are encouraged to contact the Wood County Prosecutor's Office to schedule a mediation with their child.

A mediator will sit down with the parents and child to help define the areas of concern and possible solutions. This process is another tool that parents may utilize to help them communicate with their child and it does not involve the Juvenile Prosecutor nor the court system.

Get in touch with us. For more information about JuMP, please feel free to contact Christy Snyder, Director of the C.Y.C.L.E. Program at (419) 354-9250; toll free from Toledo (419) 243-4223; fax (419) 353-2904.