Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which parties meet to settle their differences with the assistance of an impartial person (mediator).
The mediator works with the parties to:
• Identity issues
• Understand the other parties’ position and interests
• Develop satisfactory options for resolution
2. What can be mediated?
Community based conflicts such as:
• Neighborhood disputes
• Family disputes
• Landlord/Tenant disputes
• Business and professional dispute
• Other community based disputes
Cases referred from:
• Individuals
• Community organizations
• Courts
• Police departments
• Schools
• Human service and government agencies
3. What are the advantages of mediation?
• Confidential
• Inexpensive
• Proven to be Effective
• Flexible and convenient
• Saves time and energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
4. Who can benefit from ACDRC?
There are a number of people, places and entities that can benefit from ACDRC’s services. Here are a few listed below:
Neighbors
Families
Friends
Churches
Schools
Businesses
Police departments
Consumers
Groups/Organizations
5. How can I refer a case to ACDRC?
Case referral is easy. Call ACDRC at 501-379-1501. ACDRC staff will contact all parties and arrange for sessions.
Professionally trained ACDRC conflict resolution volunteers assist parties with developing options for resolution. Satisfactory agreement terms are put in writing.
6. What other services do you offer besides mediation?
ACDRC services include:
Mediation Facilitation
Conciliation Arbitration
Negotiation Training
Education Skills Building
Fact Finding Consultation
7. How much does mediation cost?
No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay for ACDRC services. The cost for ACDRC’s services is based on a sliding fee scale which is determined by yearly income.
8. How long has ACDRC been established?
ACDRC, a nonprofit organization, was incorporated in February 2004 and became the first state-wide community dispute resolution center in Arkansas. In June 2005, ACDRC opened its central location at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. ACDRC has developed a network of meeting spaces and satellite offices with various community partners in order for the diverse communities of Arkansas to have convenient access to community dispute resolution services.
9. What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Mediation involves a third party neutral facilitator (Mediator) assisting two or more parties with exploring options for resolution of their dispute and their final resolution of the matter is determined solely by the parties.
Arbitration involves a third party decision maker (Arbitrator) who receives information and evidence from two or more parties and renders a final non-binding or binding decision or award regarding the parties’ dispute.
10. What happens during a mediation session?
Mediation involves a qualified third party neutral facilitator (Mediator) who is assigned by our office during the scheduling process. To begin the session, the mediator will explain the rules for the discussions. Then, each person describes the problem from their point of view. The mediator may ask questions to get clarification or more information. Each participant is expected to show respect for the other people involved. The mediator will assist each person with understanding the disagreement through the eyes of the other participants. The mediator will work to keep party communications flowing smoothly and assist the participants solve the dispute for themselves.
Unlike a judge, a mediator will not make decisions for mediation participants. If an agreement can be reached during the mediation session, it will be written down and signed by everyone participating. If the problem cannot be resolved during that mediation session, typically a convenient date will be chosen to continue the mediation.
11. What if participants cannot reach an agreement?
If the mediators believe a solution is not likely to be reached during your mediation, they may ask you to set a date to meet again. If the mediators believe that a solution is not likely to be reached at all, they will explain other choices you may have to reach a solution. After the mediation process is complete, you will be provided a form from ACDRC stating `you attempted to mediate but were unable to reach a solution.
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