What's Happening in Conflict Resolution" is a weekly round up of the all the ADR news, jobs, events and more. Check it out each week and view past versions [HERE].

Judith Kaye on Problems With Our Justice and Prison System

What a stunning confluence in the Aug. 16 New York Times! The front page tells the heart-wrenching story of Ke’jorium McKnight, a black youth arrested at 14 on armed robbery charges, awaiting trial in Mississippi these last two years in solitary confinement “for his own protection.”

...It’s a pity that, despite mountainous new technology, neuroscience and mental health research, the school-to-prison pipeline and our country’s leadership in mass incarceration mushroomed. Your Sunday issue offers proof beyond doubt that national awareness of the problem has been raised and that incarceration is not the answer.

Read the full letter to the editor [HERE].

This year’s Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) national conference features more than 120 speakers on diverse conflict resolution topics in over 75 sessions.  Join more than 400 other conflict resolution practitioners this October in Reno, Nevada from October 7-10. 

Here is a brief glimpse of some of the three hour sessions that are being offered:

Introduction to Elder Mediation

Elder mediation is a new and growing mediation practice area. Have you ever thought of adding this practice area? As parents and loved ones age, family disputes often arise over care issues or long term planning. Because the population is aging there will be increased demand for mediators with the necessary experience and skills for this area. This workshop will present the unique qualities of elder mediation practice that practitioners need to understand to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to practice in this area. We will discuss the challenging family dynamics, unusual ethical issues this area presents, assessments of necessary modifications to accommodate participants with disabilities, and safety issues if elder abuse is present.

The centrality of the presence of the elder in the mediation will be discussed. Come to this introductory session to learn all about elder mediation. What is it? What are the unique challenges in this area of practice? How does a typical elder mediation case proceed? The presenters will provide an overview of all these issues as well as the basics of starting an elder mediation practice. We will include a mix of presentation, discussion, interaction and a demonstration role play.

Read more: http://reno.acrnet.org/37

Disability Ignorance and the Unaware Mediator: Understanding Your Legal Obligations to People with Disabilities

Unbeknownst to many mediators, people with disabilities participate in mediations that are not fully

accessible to the individual. Regardless of your mediation practice, mediators are legally obligated under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) to accommodate people with disabilities and make their session accessible. This session sheds light on the ADA Mediation Guidelines and raises awareness of how visible and hidden disabilities can impact participation and communication. Finally, attendees will learn key steps to prepare parties and make process accommodations to maximize participation.

Read more: http://reno.acrnet.org/39

Transformative Practice with At-Risk Populations: Findings from a P...

Kay Julien, Ph.D.

In recent years, the transformative approach to conflict has been employed as a tool for helping individuals increase their abilities to self-manage in conflict situations. This workshop explores the question of its efficacy and relevance in working with at risk populations who may have diminished capacities for the self awareness required for this relational approach. Findings from a pilot conflict transformation coaching program for female victims of human trafficking transitioning into society provide the basis of the presentation. Challenges and remedies for utilizing the transformative approach in this context will also be examined.

Read more: http://reno.acrnet.org/32