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Intake. When an individual contacts NDS, either on their own or by referral, a case manager talks with that person to discover basic information about the situation and the concern that the individual has about what happened. The case manager explains the process and encourages the individual to use the process to resolve the conflict. Following this initial interview, the case manager attempts to contact the other person involved in the conflict. Once contact is made, a similar discussion occurs with that second person. (A maximum of two weeks is allowed for this part of the process.)
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Assignment. NDS staff then seeks to identify and contact mediators that would be appropriate for the case. NDS mediators are volunteers that have been trained in mediation and conflict resolution skills. They donate their time and skills to help NDS fulfill its mission in the community.
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Scheduling. Mediations are scheduled by taking into account the daily schedules of the persons in conflict, the volunteer mediators, and the facility where the mediation will take place. NDS attempts to schedule the mediation as quickly as possible. Letters are sent to all involved in the mediation confirming the date, time, and place of the mediation. Once arrangements have been confirmed, the mediation session will not be rescheduled except for the most serious reasons.
Mediators receive information about the individuals in conflict and about the circumstances that brought to them to mediation. No information is shared that might compromise the individual mediator’s ability to remain neutral throughout the process.
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Getting Started. At the mediation session, mediators will welcome the individuals in conflict, and introduce everyone that is present. They will explain the role of the mediators in the process and briefly describe the process itself. Ground rules for the session will be established. Then, the individuals in conflict will be able to share their views about the dispute.
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 Doing the Work. During the session, the mediators will use communication and problem-solving skills to assist the individuals in understanding each person’s point of view, concerns and needs regarding the situation. If an agreement is reached, the mediators will assist the individuals involved to put that agreement into simple, understandable terms. If the agreement is put in writing, the individuals must sign the agreement and it will be witnessed by the mediators. Such an agreement is the only item that emerges from the mediation session. All other information is kept confidential and is not shared with individuals outside the mediation process. No other information is shared with any referring agency, police bureau, or judge. |
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