Agenda - Council - 04/28/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mediation Services For Anoka County 1323 Coon Rapids Blvd. Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433 (612) 755-5300 1991 ANNUAL REVIEW The goal of MEDIATION SERVICES FOR ANOKA COUNTY is to provide a forum for the resolution of disputes, problems and concerns using mediation techniques. The following information reflects progress toward this goat in 1991. 1. Services. There are five basic services provided to the communi0. Mediation, A process in conflict resolution in which an impmlial third party intervenes in a dispute with the consent of the parties, to aid and assist them in reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement to issues in dispute. Conciliation, An option offered to parties in a dispute who do not or cannot participate in a face-to-face mediation, but do wish to resolve their dispute. Staff serves to convey proposals to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution to the issues in dispute. Information and Referral, If a problem cannot be resolved through the services of MEDIATION SERVICES, or if the parties in conflict would be better served by a more appropriate agency, the parties are advised about other resources available to diem. Education, Through case development and mediation, disputants learn a process to constructively deal with conflict. Skills learned in communication, for example, may have a positive impact on their success in solving future disputes. Training. Community members may learn about conflict management through workshops and seminars facilitated by MEDIATION SERVICES staff and volunteers. Individuals seeking to use the services contact the office, either on their own or on a refen'al from a community source, discuss the conflict with a member of the intake staff, and determine whether or not they wish to proceed with the program's services. If, in fact, it is determined that mediation is appropriate, the staff will move forward with case development. If it is determined that the situation is not appropriate for mediation or conciliation, a party is referred to other resources. The following criteria for case intake generally apply: A. Parties share an on-going relationship which can be preserved and enhanced by mediation and one in which violence has not been involved. B. Traditional dispute resolution processes may not provide the most effective avenue for resolving the disputes. C. The dispute falls within categories allowed by Community lh-ogram Operating Guidelines. I ! I1 I I ! I I I I