Mediation

We all experience disagreements with the people around us, and we're often able to work through them. Sometimes, conflicts escalate and become too complex for us to handle on our own, so we look to an outsider to help. Turning to police, lawyers, or the judicial system is one way to get a resolution, but not the only one.

Mediation is a safe, confidential, and voluntary process that brings disputing parties together to work through their differences. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that is ideal for resolving conflicts between individuals who have ongoing relationships. These include family disputes that involve the care of an elder, divorce, custody and family-owned businesses. It also includes disputes in the workplace, in neighborhoods, in schools, and between landlords and tenants.

The mediation process empowers parties to air their concerns, deal with emotions, and find mutually agreeable solutions with the help of an impartial mediator. Our mediation model is built on empowerment, recognition, and self-determination, which means the parties determine the outcome of the mediation.  

In mediation, a trained, impartial mediator guides parties through the mediation process while helping them to talk with one another. The mediator facilitates a conversation that allows the parties to air their concerns, express their emotions, and listen to one another. This process is   effective because it promotes dialogue, understanding, and outcomes that work for sides.

Mediation can:

• Turn a difficult conversation into a productive dialogue
• Peel away the layers of confusion to get to the core of the conflict
• Empower disputing parties to air their concerns, deal with emotions, and find mutually agreeable solutions
  
  

Basic Mediation Training

For decades, the Conflict Resolution Program has offered a four-day Basic Mediation Training that is open to the public. It provides a foundation of understanding about the mediation process. This training is perfect for anyone wishing to become a mediator or enhance their communication and conflict resolution skills.

Special Educ​ation Mediation

CRP also coordinates the Special Education Partnership for the Amicable Resolution of Conflict (SPARC) Mediation program. SPARC is Delaware's statewide special education dispute resolution program funded by the Delaware Department of Education. Our program provides a voluntary and confidential way for families and schools to resolve special education disputes effectively.

​Visit our Mediation Resources​ page for more on the mediation process, the mediator's role and skills, agendas, opening statements, and more.