Summary
At-risk youth can be taught conflict resolution and problem-solving skills at school or in a juvenile facility. But those learned skills must be reinforced with continuous usage after the youth returns home. Thus, both the youth and the family need to learn how to speak the same language and to use Responsible Dispute Resolution strategies in solving their disputes.

This combined training of youth and families can be accomplished through skilled volunteer mentors and mediators. However, logistical problems of time and distance make it impractical for many volunteers to offer their pro bono services in such a Mentor/Mediator project.

In the VMM project, the Partners in Youth Responsibility propose to solve these logistical problems through advanced communication technology that connects the participants via the Internet. Under the Project Plan, volunteer mentor/mediator teams will provide continuing assistance to the youth and their families directly in the home environment. As a result, Responsible Dispute Resolution strategies can be integrated into the family culture as a preferred way for solving conflicts and solving problems.

References
T. Webber, Bullies, Not Guns, Pose the Biggest Threat in Schools, Houston Chronicle, September 4, 1999, at 34A

Associated Press, Columbine Had Bullying Problem, Houston Chronicle, December 2, 2000, at 26A

Associated press, Misguided Beliefs on Delinquency: Peers Have a Greater Bearing Than Race, Houston Chronicle, December 1, 2000, at 14A

M. Marriott, New Your Times, Kids Packing Chat, Sophisticated Handheld Wireless Devices for Children, Houston Chronicle, Technology Section, at 1F

A. Paul, Creating Safe and Secure Learning Environments: A Comprehensive Approach to Behavior Management, National Institute for Dispute Resolution (CREnet), February 1998, at 1

M. Walker, JD, How to Recognize that Columbine Kid Before It's Too Late; What Support Services Can We Provide?, Houston Bar Association School Law Institute, October 29, 1999

R. Sherman, Ph.D., Dispute Resolution: Providing for Positive Youth Development and the Prevention of Violence, National Institute for Dispute Resolution (NIDR Forum) Spring 1994