How the Mediation Center Helps
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County helps people have the difficult conversations they need to have
and promotes conflict resolution by:
- Offering affordable opportunities for high-quality mediation in which parties in
conflict may reach agreements and/or avoid or reduce time in court;
- Training individuals in the skills of mediation, conflict intervention, and alternative
responses to conflict.
How Mediation Works
In mediation, people in conflict talk face-to-face about the issues important to them with the help
of an impartial third party.
Surprising things happen in mediation. The
surprise may be that parties develop a new understanding of their dispute or of the other party’s
view of it. Through mediation, people often become clearer about their options and their best course
of action.
Most important: both parties retain the power to act on their own insights and decisions.
Whatever happens in mediation, the outcome is decided by the parties in conflict—not
by the mediator.
Mediation is based upon the idea that people are capable of knowing and doing what is in their
best interests.
Mediation is a voluntary process, and it is confidential.
Fees
For many community disputes, there is no charge to participants. Costs are paid by
a community mediation program contract with the New York State Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Such
covered cases include:
- Small Claims
- Landlord/Tenant disputes
- Neighbor/Neighbor disputes
Results
Through mediation participants can
- Gain clarity
- Develop understanding
- Reach agreements
- Avoid or reduce time in court/hearings
Mediators are professionally trained staff and volunteers of the Center.
Mediation and Court
When participants have a case pending in court, any written agreement reached through mediation may
be sent to court if the participants choose. Usually the agreement will become a court order after
being reviewed by the judge.
Referrals
People may call the Mediation Center on their own or they may be referred to the Center by friends,
family, counselors, schools, agencies, courts, and other sources. Once the Center has been contacted,
a staff person will speak with each participant to talk about the situation and, if parties agree,
the staff will schedule a session with a mediator.
