Mediation is a process where two or more people that are in conflict meet with a third party or panel of "neutrals" that faciliate dialogue among the individuals in conflict. Mediation is undertaken on a voluntary basis and can be private or community based. NDS is a community based mediation center.
- Directive Mediation - The goal of directive mediation is to reach resolution of a conflict. The mediators will provide the ground rules, suggest ideas for resolution, and may "caucus" (meet separately) with the individuals involved if needed.
- Transformative Mediation - The goal of transformative mediation is for parties to gain new understandings about each other and/or the conflict in which they are involved. In transformative mediation, the mediators ask the individuals present what ground rules, if any, they want. In this form of mediation, the mediators generally will not suggest ideas for resolution and usually do not caucus.
- Mandated Mediation - Although individuals may be "required" to enter mediation (most commonly by the court), the outcome of mediation is still determined by the individuals engaged in the process and remains, in that sense, voluntary. Either directive or transformative mediation processes or a combination of the two can be used to reach its goal.
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