NCJ Number
65827
Date Published
1979
Length
32 pages
Annotation
INCLUDED IN THIS S. 423 AMENDMENT CITED AS THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT ARE FINDINGS AND PURPOSE OF THE ACT, DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS, CRITERIA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROGRAM.
Abstract
THE PURPOSE OF THE ACT IS TO HELP THE STATES AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PROVIDE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS FOR ALL PERSONS. THESE MECHANISMS SHOULD BE EFFECTIVE, FAIR, INEXPENSIVE, AND EXPEDITIOUS. IN ADDITION, GRANT RECIPIENTS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECEIVED UNDER THE ACT SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM PROVIDES ASSISTANCE, RESOLVES DISPUTES AT TIMES AND LOCATIONS CONVENIENT FOR THE PEOPLE SERVED, ASSISTS PERSONS LIMITED BY LANGUAGE BARRIERS OR OTHER DISABILITIES, AND PROVIDES FAIR AND REASONABLE PROCEDURES. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, CONSULTATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, AND PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR MAKING THE MECHANISMS MORE ACCESSIBLE ARE ALSO REQUIRED. STATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP THESE DISPUTE MECHANISMS AND TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THEM. THE ACT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, INCLUDING A DISPUTE RESOLUTION RESOURCE CENTER AND ADVISORY BOARD; FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR GRANTS FOR IMPROVING EXISTING DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS OR ESTABLISHING NEW ONES; RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANT RECIPIENTS; AND AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. VOTING ROSTERS AND MEMORANDA ON THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT ARE INCLUDED.