NCJ Number
73616
Date Published
1980
Length
32 pages
Annotation
A summary of two workshops about establishing a mediation center for minor criminal and civil disputes in Dallas, Tex., covers funding sources and problems and suggests mediation center goals.
Abstract
Texas lacks mediation programs for processing minor criminal and civil disputes. However, at a March 1980 workshop, participants proposed to develop such a program for Dallas and established a coordinating committee to begin work on it and find funding sources. Members of this committee included representatives of churches, social services, and many other professions. The majority of this committee attended a second workshop in April, at which funding sources, mediation practices and problems, and planning directions were studied. It was indicated that funding will be a major problem, because of recent cutbacks of State funds, unavailability of Federal LEAA funds, a lack of interest in mediation projects by large private foundations, and the elimination of revenue sharing and block grant resources. LEAA has provided some funding on the condition that the Dallas mediation project be developed on a reduced scale. Recommendations for the mediation center organization include setting explicit goals, carefully training and selecting staff, obtaining vigorous press coverage, keeping research statistics, and choosing mediators representative of the community. Mediation fees, length of mediator training , and use of referral are also discussed. Funding sources recommended for exploration include local corporations and foundations; utilizing pro bona assistance donated space and volunteers is also suggested. Finally, a Dallas mediation project will require greater police participation in planning. Appendixes, a workshop agenda, and an address on the problems of setting up a mediation center are included.