ALINA SPRAGUE, MSW, LCSW, Cert. ADR

What should John the Family Mediator do???

The fact that he has never had a case such as this is not really an issue. John knew that at some point he might be called upon by the community or he wouldn’t be in the ADR line of work. As mediators, conflict resolution professionals, and just in the course of every day life, we often encounter situations with which we are not familiar; so I do not see this as an ethical dilemma. As educated and experienced ADR professionals, we have acquired some skills that non-ADR trained police officers may not possess.

John should respond that he is willing to help and advise the chief of his experience and training limitations.  He should suggest that while he attempts to make phone contact and gain more information from the subject, the chief might want to contact a trained mental health professional, within the community or from other law enforcement agencies, that may have specific qualifications and skills in dealing with depressed, chemically altered, and violent patients.

I believe that some help offered by a neutral to the upset man is better than the straight police tactical intervention option. The man might welcome outreach from a neutral and John’s skills as a compassionate skilled listener will most likely meet with less resistance and defensiveness.

John also needs to heed the chief’s words of “time’s a wastin’ and something’s got to be done.”  John may be able to gain information about the man’s intentions and the status of the wife and children.  At the same time he can gain a little time and help to de-escalate the situation until such time that a “skilled mental health professional” (who has more experience with police and violence matters) can be located and management of the situation can be transferred.

As long as you are comfortable with and honest about your qualifications and practice limitations and do not exceed the scope of these qualifications there is not an ethical dilemma.