Children from all social and economic levels participate both as counselors and clients in this program. A decrease in discipline within the school system and contact with the juvenile court system has been a result of this program. While peer counseling and mediation may not be the only reasons for these decreases, the positive feedback from the students, schools and parents indicates that it is making a significant difference. Students stated they have been able to overcome their own angers and fears and are better at channeling their hostile emotions and negative feelings by talking to peers rather than authority figures. Peer counselors are available any time during the normal school day.
Counselors rotate on a daily basis so that the counseling is evenly distributed.
If a special request is made for a particular counselor, arrangements are made to accommodate the client. All counselors use this experience as a learning tool and recognize it as a privilege and honor to be able to serve their peer group. The program is continually evaluated to ensure its ethical integrity. Another aspect of this program has been the implementation of crisis prevention for teachers. The program is designed to de-escalate potentially harmful situations and redirect them toward a resolution.