Turning Conflict into Conversation
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Dutchess County
Mediation Center News
Covid -19 Update
Important Covid-19 Update: The Mediation Center of Dutchess County remains open, but we have temporarily suspended all face-to-face contacts and the staff is working remotely. Center staff are working behind the scenes on operationalizing a re-alignment of our services in accordance to the NYS Court consolidation and the health guidelines issued by the CDC and county/state government. Like many of you, we find ourselves in an evolving and unprecedented time - both professionally and personally - and we thank you for your patience. In the interim, please feel free to reach out to staff listed below with any questions or concerns you may have. Staff are working remotely and will return your call or email as soon as they can. If you have a case already in court, need to start a court case, or have specific questions about your juror service, NYS Court has set up a Coronavirus Telephone Hotline: 833-503-0447. You may also refer to the New York Court's website at https://www.nycourts.gov/ .
| Name | Title | Phone | Program | |
| Leanne Lawson | Executive Director | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x209 | All inquiries; NEW Civil Courts Cases |
| Family & Divorce Program Coordinator | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x209 | Family & Divorce | |
| Claudia Abbott-Barish | Director of Restorative Justice Programs | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x203 | Restorative Justice |
| Justin Strock | Restorative Justice Specialist | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x210 | Restorative Justice; limited (active) Civil Courts Cases |
| Ellie Limpert | Community Coordinator and Restorative Justice Specialist | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x201 | New Inquiries for all cases; Restorative Justice |
| Ezra Weissman | Restorative Justice Specialist | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 845-471-7213 x208 | Restorative Justice |
Restorative Justice Initiative Receives Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant Award
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County is pleased to share that its Restorative Justice Initiative will be receiving grant support from the Dutchess County Government Agency Partner Grant Program. In is 10th year, the program provides vital support to nonprofit organizations addressing unmet community needs. The grant awarded to MCDC will help provide restorative services to nonprofits, schools, and individuals throughout the county. This investment will strengthen relationships and resilience for all. For the full announcement, click here.
Mediation Center Initial Training Approved for New York State Court’s Part 146
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County’s Basic Mediation Training has been approved by the New York State Unified Court System’s Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution for Part 146, a court rule that establishes statewide qualifications and training requirements for mediators and neutral evaluators serving on court rosters.Read more ...