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A party may Initiate a case simply by calling the office and requesting service. Each cai]er Is Interviewed regarding the nature of the problem, action to resolve the matter, and willingness to participate in a mediation after an explanation of the process. This is accomplished with each caller to Insure the appropriateness of mediation for the dispute, that the cai]er has made a genuine decision to select mediation as the method to resolve the problem, and that the caller resides or does business within Anoka County. The number of new cases in 1988 was 102. This was an increase over the 79 new cases of 1987, however it should be noted that the 1987 figure reflects a 10 month period and the 1988, twelve. The percentage of new cases going to mediation increased nearly 10% in 1988 and the number of people receiving direct services increased more than 60%. The rate of cases settled in mediation remained high. Over 80% of all cases submitted to mediation were settled. parties to the settlement agreement compiled with terms of the agreement in almost 95% of these mediated cases. The fol]owlng is an approximate disposition of cases which were handled by MSAC. For example, four of every ten cases went to mediation, two of these ten found conciliation of the issue after contact with MSAC and two out these ten had explored options In settling their problem or were referred to a more appropriate organization for assistance. In the remaining two of these ten cases, one of the parties was unwilling to try the process and the case was closed. Again as last year, our greatest source of cases was the neighborhood problems. Business/consumer and ] and] ord/tenant cases increased as did the number of families seeking assistance. In 1988, we mediated our first employer/employee case which ended in partial settlement of issues and rea] progress made in understanding between parties. Referrals from police and sheriff deputies were down 10% from 1987, while referrals from the community agencies, both public and private remain about the same. An increase of cases originating with public officials and city personnel was seen, as It was with cases originating as a result of media exposure. Mediations were again made available to parties at time and place convenient for them. Most were held in a public building after regular business hours or on Saturday. Public buildings provided a neutral setting In most cases, was handicapped accessible, had parking readily available and were available without cost.