Community Mediation
Program
District 13 is introducing a new 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
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