(a)

(1) There is created a program that shall be called the "Arkansas Youth Mediation Program".

(2) In the event funds are appropriated for this purpose, it shall be housed at and operated by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law.

(b) The program shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Operate pilot projects offering mediation services for disputes in schools involving youth, juvenile delinquency cases, family in need of services cases, and dependency-neglect cases;

(2) Provide training and technical assistance for elementary and secondary schools to:

(A) Operate mediation programs in these schools for disputes involving children; and

(B) Incorporate conflict resolution education into the curriculum;

(3) Provide training and technical assistance for circuit courts to mediate juvenile delinquency and family in need of services cases as the courts deem appropriate;

(4) Provide training and technical assistance for circuit courts to mediate dependency-neglect cases as the courts deem appropriate;

(5) Offer law school courses and continuing education programs for lawyers and other professionals throughout Arkansas;

(6) Hire personnel and expend funds as necessary and appropriate to carry out the program's goals;

(7) Apply for and accept gifts or grants from any public or private source for use in maintaining and improving the operation of the program; and

(8) Take other appropriate actions to carry out the program's goals.