What is Mediation?

Mediation is the process of resolving disputes through collaboration. With the aid of a neutral third person, called a mediator, disputants voluntarily work out their own agreement in an informal setting. The mediator does not have the power to impose a settlement. Instead, they facilitate a settlement by helping the disputants reach a mutually acceptable compromise.

The primary goal of the process is to have parties arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement while preserving the dignity of each individual. The underlying causes of the dispute, not merely the facts, are discussed in an atmosphere that supports equality, fairness, and personal responsibility.

Types of Mediation Provided by MRJC

District Criminal Court Mediation

The District Criminal Court Mediation program provides an opportunity for those involved in a court case to sit down with a mediator to try and talk through their dispute.

Each party is given an opportunity to tell their side of the story, to hear the other side, and to search for ways to settle their disagreements. If the mediation is successful, the parties are given copies of the agreement to take home and the court case is dismissed.

Community Mediation

The Community Mediation program allows people a safe and confidential venue to resolve their disagreements without court involvement.

Mediation can be helpful in landlord/tenant disputes, neighborhood conflicts, workplace conflicts, family issues, and consumer/merchant disputes

Mediation service fees are provided on a sliding-scale ensuring that every community member can receive the benefits of mediation regardless of their income.

Juvenile Mediation

The Juvenile Mediation program provides youth, parents, school officials, and community organizations the opportunity to discuss the delinquent situation in an informal and non-adversarial setting.

Potential cases include: truancy, school suspensions, runaway behavior, fighting, bullying, conflict at home, and other disruptive and destructive behaviors.

Funding through local Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils allow this service to be provided free of charge.