Community Mediation

History

In 1993, an agreement was entered into with the State's Attorney's Office to refer appropriate District Court cases to mediation, and with the Child Support Enforcement Office to refer child visitation cases.

Mediation

The mediation process provides an alternative to litigation for persons resolving their differences. Both parties are urged to participate in a highly confidential mediation process on a voluntary basis. Mediation consists of a five-step process in which co-mediators are assigned to assist disputants reach their own solution to their problem(s). A mediator does not act as an advocate of either party, reserves judgment and does not voice opinions. Mediation brings both parties to the table on an equal basis. In doing this, the parties at conflict can "custom tailor" their own settlement and agree on future-oriented behavior to avoid unforeseen problems.

Before this program became operational, individuals arguing with neighbors, friends, family members or co-workers had no real alternative other than the traditional court system, which can be cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Problems dragged on for long periods of time. In some cases, violence erupted, people became shut-ins, or they moved away if they could afford it.

Another reality of community conflicts is an already overburdened District Court and an inefficient drain on the already overloaded police department. Individuals, who in the past had no recourse but to suffer quietly or react with anger, now have an opportunity to meet face to face with their neighbor in a non-adversarial setting and constructively resolve their differences.

Agreements are completed in writing and signed by all parties. Both parties "win." This makes the agreement more palatable and participants are more likely to abide by them. Both participants receive a copy of the negotiated agreement and one copy remains on file.

The Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution Collaborative (CMCRC)

The CMCRC's services are free. The hours are flexible to accommodate those who work. The locations are convenient. The Office of Community Relations in partnership with Community Mediation Maryland (CMM) is responsible for training all volunteers, as well as coordination of the Collaborative. This consists of:

• Reviewing all requests for information, • Contacting the parties for case preparation information, • Setting up the mediation conferences, • Assigning mediators to each case, and • Sending letters of confirmation to all parties throughout the process. The CMCRC accepts all referrals. Referrals come from: • The Judicial System • District Court Commissioners, • County Police, • Social Service Agencies, • The County Executive's Office, • County Council Offices, • Employers, apartment or dwelling management, • Self referrals and citizen referrals. Interested persons can contact the Community Mediation staff by calling OCR at (301) 952-4729 or email custsvcs@co.pg.md.us.