Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which neutral mediators help people in dispute communicate, understand each other and, if possible, reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. This definition recognizes four elements of mediation:

• Neutral - the impartial mediators have no vested interest in the outcome of the mediation.
   

• Voluntary - no person will every be required to mediate. All parties come to mediation of their own free will and can abandon the process at any time.
   

• Confidential - all parties, including mediators, must agree up front that everything discussed during the mediation session will not be discussed outside the meeting, including in any subsequent judicial hearing.
   
• Self Determination - The parties in dispute generate all decisions and agreements. The mediators simply guide the participants through the process and toward possible solutions.

Need Mediation?
Mediation gives two people with a dispute a way to find a solution with which they both agree.

Mediation provides an opportunity for you to express your viewpoints and for you to listen to another person's perspective.

Mediation helps rebuild relationships.

Mediation strives to assist disputing parties find a "win-win" solution.
 

Why Try Mediation?
Mediation empowers the disputing parties to find mutually-agreeable solutions. Mediation allows you to control the outcome - no one tells you what to do. All participants develop long-lasting solutions to meet everyone's needs.
 

What is it?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which neutral mediators help people in dispute communicate understand each other and, if possible, reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. This definition recognizes four elements of mediation:

Neutral - the impartial mediators have no vested interest in the outcome of the mediation.

Voluntary - no person will every be required to mediate. All parties come to mediation of their own free will and can abandon the process at any time.

Confidential - all parties, including mediators, must agree up front that everything discussed during the mediation session will not be discussed outside the meeting, including in any subsequent judicial hearing.

Self Determination - The parties in dispute generate all decisions and agreements. The mediators simply guide the participants through the process and toward possible solutions. 

Who Are Mediators?
The mediators are volunteers who are professionally trained through classroom training, an apprenticeship, a series of evaluations and continuing education. They represent the racial, class, age and diversity of Allegany County. 

How Do You Arrange For A Mediation?

1.) Make contact with our staff at the number provided below. You may refer yourself or work with a referral source such as a local school agency.

2.) Our staff will contact all participants and arrange for mediation at a time and place convenient to all.

3.) An agreeable time, date and location are set up for both participants. Mediations are scheduled any time - weekdays, evenings and weekends - in locations throughout Allegany County. The actual mediation takes about two hours. Additional sessions are scheduled as necessary.

4.) Long-term solutions are developed in mediation. These resolutions can be pit into a written agreement if parties choose.

5.) Phone: 240-727-0408 - Our intake staff will arrange a mediation that fits your schedule. MEDIATION IS FREE.