Title
Neighbor Mediation Program
History
Many years ago, the Village had an in-house mediation program. However, it was discontinued by the Village Board in 2011.
The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) is a non-profit founded in 1979 by the Chicago Bar Association for the purpose of assisting communities in handling conflict through mediation. CCR has mediated over 10,000 cases in the past five years under the Uniform Mediation Act. Their trained mediators are impartial and facilitate a discussion between two willing parties. If the two parties want to enter into a signed agreement, the CCR mediator will craft a mediation agreement. These agreements are not legally binding.
CCR has an arrangement with the Northwest Municipal Conference to mediate conflicts between residents within member communities and between internal municipal staff. CCR is willing to establish relationships with individual communities. Municipalities pay $250-$300 per conflict.
Typically, the municipality will refer two willing parties to CCR. CCR will provide one confidential mediation session lasting up to 4 hours. Most sessions are held via video call. In-person sessions are also available and can be held at CCR’s Chicago office or locally at a space provided by the municipality. Most disputes are eligible for mediation. Exceptions include individuals with a history of violence and/or orders of protection.
In order to use CCR’s service, the Village would participate in a free pilot program of 4 to 5 sessions. If at the conclusion of the pilot program both the Village and CCR wish to continue, a formal agreement would be prepared and presented at a future Board of Trustees meeting.
Financial Impact
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve directing Village staff to initiate a free mediation pilot program with the Center of Conflict Resolution.