Community Mediation Program

• Having neighborhood conflict?
• Do you need help solving family matters?

Take control of your situation and settle it through communication.

Mediation is an alternative to court proceedings.

The District 13 Community Mediation Program has been developed to assist the residents in our neighborhoods in resolving civil conflicts.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is talking and listening to one another for the purpose of settling disputes. It is a voluntary alternative to court proceedings. The parties make their own decisions whether to accept a solution or to reject it.

A mediator is someone who assist the disputing parties talk and listen to one another with the common goal of resolving a conflict(s).

In mediation, the mediator does not judge who is right or wrong.

Who are the Mediators?

Mediators are certified individuals trained in various techniques to mediate different types of disputes. In addition, they have had extensive experience on the field of conflict resolution. Area E-13 offers mediation with Officer Carlos Lara.

How Does Mediation Work?

The parties in dispute meet with one or two mediators at a safe location. Each party tells the mediator their view of how they perceive what’s going on in the dispute.

Sometimes it is necessary to meet with each party separately in private sessions. Unless the party gives specific permission, the mediator will not share what is said to the other party.

The mediator(s) will assist in identifying each party’s most important issues and help brainstorm for options as a neutral party.

If an agreement is reached, the mediator will work together with the parties and he will put it in writing so that they will revise it and sign it.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Officer Carlos Lara at 617.343.5624.

Mediation is Confidential

Mediators keep all information confidential and will not disclose it to anyone outside the mediation program.

Law protects all information obtained during the mediation process, and the mediator cannot be asked to testify in court about what is said during these sessions.

There are some exceptions to confidentiality and they are:

• The final agreement reached
• Any criminal activity including abuse or neglect

Independent Mediation Training

Mediation Training:
Metropolitan Mediation Services (MMS) provides trainings to the general public and to agencies and organizations.  Visit MMS at http://www.metromediation.org