What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
Alternative Dispute Resolution, also known as ADR, is used to describe a variety of dispute resolution activities such as mediation, facilitation, restorative justice, peace circles, coaching, etc. These dispute resolution activities are alternatives to the litigation approach and going through the court system. These activities are also alternatives to more competitive, adversarial approaches to conflict.
What is mediation? Is it similar to psychotherapy?
Mediation is a process where people who are involved in a dispute come together with a third party neutral called a mediator. Mediation is not psychotherapy. The mediator is trained to be a neutral party who is skilled at focusing on all parties' interests and aid the parties in coming to a mutually agreeable resolution.
Does the mediator decide on a resolution for the people who are in dispute? What if I don't agree with the mediator?
There are many models of mediation from highly facilitative to evaluative. At the SCSU Institute for ADR, we use a highly facilitative model where the parties in a dispute always are the decision makers in terms of the resolution. The mediator controls the process of the mediation such as development of ground rules, speaking order, etc.
How much does mediation or other ADR services cost?
The Institute for ADR offers services based on a sliding fee scale.
Can anyone be a mediator?
In Minnesota, MN Rule 114 describes the curriculum for the basic mediation skills course. Participants who complete such a course can apply to be on the Minnesota Supreme Court Roster for Rule 114 neutrals. At the SCSU Institute for ADR, all of our mediators are listed as qualified neutrals under Rule 114. Various center provide this training. The Institute for ADR will offer a 30-Hour Basic Mediation Skills Training.
What is a peace circle?
A peace circle is a type of ADR where a group of participants sit in a circle to discuss issues or areas fo concerns. The peace circle uses a peace circle keeper to facilitate the process. The strength of a peace circle is in the "community" that emerges and the discussions that take place. Peace circles usually last a couple of hours and span a few weeks.
What is transformative mediation?
Transformative mediation is another model of mediation where the parties of the dispute control not only the outcome of the dispute but also the process as well. This model is quite different for "regular" mediation and puts the parties in control. This is the mediation model that is used successfully by many agencies such as the U.S. Post Office.
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