NCJ Number
96379
Date Published
Unknown
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at a workshop held to generate interest in dispute mediation, identify the types of mediation programs operating in Canada, and promote the development of a dispute mediation program in southern Alberta.
Abstract
In the opening address, dispute mediation is defined as an orderly process of dealing with disputes when they get out of the control of the parties involved. Further, the growth of dispute mediation programs in the United States is traced from 3 programs in 1971 to more than 200 in 1983. The development of dispute mediation in Canada is discussed in another presentation, and growth is shown to be slower in Canada than in the United States. Issues which may stimulate the development of programs across Canada are identified, including efforts to ensure that victims of crime are treated fairly, the recognition of Indian self-government, the review of the criminal code, and the passage of the Young Offenders Act. Four steps in developing a mediation project are identified: (1) building an awareness of dispute mediation in the community, (2) training mediators, (3) promoting mediation among groups which may benefit from the service, and (4) using the mediation concept. Some of the problems which have occurred in the process of dispute mediation, including the lack of awareness by professionals and by the public, are examined. Other topics discussed are ways to get people to mediate their disputes and hints for establishing a mediation center. Workshop participants are listed, as are resource persons and members of the organizing committee. Two articles on the workshop are appended.