Setting Up Dispute Resolution Programs (From Mediation in the Justice System - Conference Proceedings, P 49-67, 1983, Marie R Volpe et al, ed. - See NCJ-92471)

• NCJ Number: 92475
• Author(s): L Friedman; M Resnick; W Pendleton
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: American Bar Association
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Issues that must be faced when starting a mediation program include the sources of referrals, the types of cases to include and to exclude, ways of making volunteers feel valued, and how to achieve a balance between professionalism and an informal atmosphere where clients feel that they can talk and someone listens.

Abstract

Other basic decisions involved in starting a dispute resolution program are the handling of nonattendance, screening criteria, the time period between intake and mediation, and the nature of the mediation process itself. Enforcement of agreements and the selection and training of mediators must also be considered. Community dispute resolution programs sponsored by the American Arbitration Association require cases to meet three criteria. They must not be felonies; they must involve an ongoing, interpersonal relationship; and both parties must come to mediation on a voluntary basis. The program combines arbitration and mediation, uses volunteer arbitrators who are given $15 to cover expenses, and uses about 2.5 hours for each hearing. The National Institute for Dispute Resolution is a small, recently founded organization dedicated to promoting alternative approaches to dispute resolution. It is examining the financial condition of dispute resolution, ways of increasing the visibility of the dispute resolution concept, and ways of increasing public acceptance of mediation. Discussions of other specific programs are included.