What is Mediation?
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​Mediation is an opportunity to have a conversation about something that is important to you. You as the participant are in control of the process, not the mediators. The mediator's role is to support participants' efforts to communicate needs, concern, and challenges so the participants can make an informed decision about their situation. 

The mediators do not give advice or act in any legal capacity. They will not make judgements about you or your situation.

The mediator will not force any type of agreement on the participants. If an agreement is reached during the mediation, it will be the participants' ideas and suggestions. The participants will decide what the agreement says. Other outcomes include a better understanding of the situation, the other person and what happens next.

Preparing for a mediation
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To prepare in advance, think about what would be helpful to have to discuss your situation; are there any documents  Sign the consent to mediate electronically.

Also, before your mediation conversation, it may be helpful to think about the following questions:

• What’s the hardest part of this situation for you?
• What do you want the other person(s) to understand about you that might help in resolving matters for him/her?
• If you could only have one thing come out of your conversation, what would that be?
• What are you willing to do to help that happen?
• What, if anything, do you want to understand about the other person?
• When you start your conversation, do you want to say anything about​:
• The content of your conversation: specific topics to discuss/not to discuss?
• How you will talk with each other: guidelines or ground rules for your conversation?
• How much time you want to spend for your conversation and/or if another session is needed?
• How confidential do you want/need your conversation with each other to be?

How to schedule a mediation

To schedule or discuss services, call us at 301-475-9118. An intake specialist will listen to your concerns about your situation and answer any questions. The staff will work with all participants involved to find a time and date that works for everyone. You can also refer a case to mediation, either for yourself or others, by using the referral form. 

Mediation services are no cost to you. If you would like to support our mission donations are always welcomed.

301-475-9118

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