A Community Mediation Project
What is Community Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral third party helps disputants resolve their conflict. The mediator (a neutral), assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of their dispute. The mediator does not give legal or professional advice, nor decide how the dispute is to be resolved. The parties decide the outcome. It is a cooperative process in which the parties work together toward a resolution that tries to meet everyone’s interests, instead of working against each other.
Mediation often leads to better communication between the parties and lasting resolutions. It is particularly effective when parties have a continuing relationship, such as neighbors or businesses. It also is very effective where personal feelings are getting in the way of a resolution.
Plaintiffs find that settlements reached in mediation are far more likely to be honored, and are easier to collect than formal enforcement of a court judgment, because the agreements are determined by mutual consent, and not imposed by the court.
Characteristics of Community Mediation
- The use of trained community volunteers as the primary providers of mediation services; volunteers are not requires to have academic or professional credentials
- A private non-profit or public agency, or program thereof, with a governing/advisory board
- Mediators, staff and governing/advisory board are representative of the diversity of the community served
- Providing direct access to the public through self-referral and striving to reduce barriers to service including physical, linguistic, cultural, programmatic and economic
- Providing services to clients regardless of their ability to pay
- Initiating, facilitating and educating for collaborative community relationships to effect positive systemic change
- Engaging in public awareness and educational activities about the values and practices of mediation
- Providing a forum for dispute resolution at the earliest stage of conflict
- Providing an alternative to the judicial system at any stage of conflict
Mediation ADR Information Packet
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an increasingly popular option that allows people to resolve disputes outside of court in a cooperative manner. ADR can be faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court. Most importantly, the use of ADR can provide greater satisfaction with the way disputes are resolved. Follow this link to view our ADR Packet.
Small Claims Mediation Program
It is well established that conflict, and litigation in particular, can be very costly and time-consuming. The Court is now offering an alternative approach to traditional litigation that is more cost effective, accessible, and ultimately better equipped to meet the needs of disputants. Follow this link to view information about small claims mediation.
What is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order?
A civil harassment restraining order is a court order issued by a judge that tells the restrained party (the person you are requesting protection from) to not harass or contact you (either directly or indirectly). A civil harassment restraining order can also order the restrained party to stay away from you, your home, your job, your vehicle and others who live with you. Civil harassment restraining orders may be issued against someone who is harassing you, such as an acquaintance, co-worker, neighbor or stranger, or acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, or strangers. If that person is a close relative, someone you have dated, married, or with whom you’ve had children, you will be protected by domestic violence law, which defines harassment differently than the law for civil harassment.
Follow this link to view a list of Tuolumne County Community Mediators.
