NCJ Number
93821
Date Published
1984
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the background of the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) at Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, N.Y) and presents preliminary research results from a study of DRC.
Abstract
The establishment of a mediation center at Brooklyn College greatly facilitated access to a nearby neighborhood justice center, eliminating arduous journeys required for those relying on mass transit. From December 1981 to November 1982, all cases handled by DRC were walk-ins. In late 1982, DRC became a source for family dispute referrals, with issuance of orders of protection a prerequisite to handling such referrals. These disputes involved child custody and interpersonal disputes, but not violence. From November 1982 to January 1984, 375 cases were referred from the criminal court to the DRC, which helped relieve the caseloads of the criminal courts. The study sample consisted of all cases mediated to conclusion from the beginning of criminal court and family court referrals to 1 year later. Data came from an intake form and a postmediation debriefing form. The overall success rate was 79 percent. The no-show rate for the DRC was 30 percent. These rates were higher when the complainant was black and lower when the complainant was over 40. Over 40 percent of the cases involved neighbors. The closer the relationship between disputants, the higher the success rate from mediation. Most mediations required only a single session. In cases of nonagreement, the complainant was as likely as the respondent to disagree. A map of service areas, a diagram of DRC quarters, a list of trained mediators, and 15 tables are included. The appendix contains information about DRC, sample criminal court and DRC summons, sample DRC forms, and an article about the New York City transit strike of 1980.