NCJ Number
203075
Date Published
October 2003
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This document presents the 2002-2003 Annual Report of the Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program (CDRCP) of New York State.
Abstract
The CDRCP is a collaboration between local and State agencies who cooperate to offer dispute resolution as an alternative to criminal, civil, and Family Court litigation. The CDRCP contracts with local non-profit agencies whose trained staff provide dispute resolution services, including mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. Training for mediators and program staff is delivered through a collaboration between the CDRCP and the New York State Dispute Resolution Association. During fiscal year 2002-2003, the CDRCP conducted 28,548 conciliations, mediations, and arbitrations. In 85 percent of these cases, the parties entered into voluntary agreements. Disputes handled by the CDRCP involve family relationships in 16 percent of the cases, individual-corporate disputes in 33 percent of the cases, and consumer-merchant disputes in 10 percent of the cases. A description of the statewide partnerships and program development includes a review of the Family Court mediation services, Supreme Court mediation, and youth initiatives and educational programs, among others. Over 2,000 volunteers offer dispute resolution services statewide. Trainer certification and mediator qualifications are described, as are apprenticeship requirements and continuing education. Finally, the report offers information concerning fiscal and administrative management, including the 2002-2003 local revenue distribution. Appendices offer local program summaries and statistical tables. Tables, appendix