MEDIATION PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Community Mediation Services is the undisputed leader in providing unparalleled assistance for resolving conflicts justly and securely. Our highly trained experts offer specialized mediation programs and training courses tailored to each situation’s unique needs. CMS is dedicated to serving and uplifting the community through diverse resources. Our Community Engagement initiatives foster meaningful connections by organizing events and activities that promote community bonding and empowerment.
CMS has been providing services in mediation and other related dispute resolution services since 1983. Central to CMS’ mission is the commitment to create and promote effective approaches to conflict resolution and problem solving. We have, over the years, developed a racially-just, holistic approach that integrates mediation with court processes, casework, educational approaches and youth development in the context of all service systems that affect families and children, school-aged children, youths and litigants in courts.
- Mediation Training
- Civil Court Mediation
- Community Resolve Initiative
- Divorce Mediation
- Restorative Justice
- Family Mediation
- Special Education Mediation
- Housing Mediation
- Lemon Law Arbitration
- Custody / Visitation Mediation
- Community Resolve Initiative
- Surrogate’s Court Mediation
- Continuing Mediation Education
COMMUNITY DISPUTE SERVICES (CDS)
Queens County residents dealing with disputes should immediately seek mediation services from CDS. This organization offers free mediation for a variety of disputes including family, neighbor, elder care, civil court, community, housing, landlord-tenant, roommate, special education, juvenile delinquency, and lemon law. Mediation is the most effective way to resolve conflicts in a fair and peaceful manner. So, don’t hesitate to check out what CDS has to offer and learn more about this service.
Divorce Mediation – If you find yourself in a divorce case that has made its way to the Supreme Court, it may be worth considering mediation as a means of resolving your disputes. A divorce mediator can assist you in exploring a variety of options for dissolving your marriage and dividing your assets, which can be a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to a lengthy and contentious court battle. It is important to note, however, that the complexity of such cases may necessitate an hourly rate that is determined by the combined income of the parties involved. Despite this, it’s important to give mediation serious consideration as a viable option for resolving your matrimonial issues.
TRAINING PROGRAMS & SERVICES
CMS provides valuable training opportunities to individuals seeking essential mediation skills. Our training programs equip participants with practical knowledge, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. These trainings are designed to empower individuals to navigate challenges more effectively and enhance their overall personal and professional growth. In addition, our Mediation Skills Training program focuses on equipping individuals with the necessary skills to serve as mediators in conflict resolution processes.
Participants gain a deep understanding of mediation principles, techniques, and strategies, enabling them to facilitate constructive dialogue and help parties find mutually acceptable solutions. Through our training services, CMS strives to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, fostering personal and professional development within the community.
- Skills Training
- Conflict Resolution
- Justice Impacted Youth
- Youth Leadership Program
- Positive Parenting
- Negotiating Effectively
- Becoming High Function Teams
- Educational Setting
- Anger Management
- Racial Equity Training
- Community Visioning
- Communication Skills
- Peer Mediation
- Not-For-Profit Agencies
- Mediation Skills Training
CMS is uniquely equipped to facilitate conversations, conduct workshops, develop customized training related to our program areas, and extract skills for use in all industries. We are leaders in navigating difficult conversations and teaching conflict-resolution skills. We have a long history of providing quality service within the education, youth development, justice and child welfare systems. We have court-certified trainers in mediation and over 30 years of experience training with individuals, organizations and communities throughout the state and nationally.
SPECIAL EDUCATION & EARLY INTERVENTION MEDIATION
Special Education & Early Intervention Mediation are processes in which parents of children with special needs and the school district or EIOs (Early Intervention Officials) meet with a neutral person, a mediator, to work out their differences. This aid is preferred by parents, schools/EIOs/DOE as a way of resolving:
- IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan,
- Student’s education placement
- Evaluation
- Classification, and/or services.
In almost all cases, mediation develops a solution for both parents and school/EIOs/DOE in a way that:
- Allows all concerns to be heard,
- Improves communication,
- Builds trust and reinforces bonds,
- Chance to have an equal say in all decisions,
- Individualized and supportive solutions.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE/CIRCLE PROCESS
Restorative practices in special education mediation focus on the importance of nurturing community relationships and promoting a culture shift. The Circle Process is a prime example of this approach as it involves all parties in conflict resolution. This practice highlights the significance of relationships and values in repairing harm and restoring harmony within the community.
PEER MEDIATION
In schools, peer mediation programs have been found to be effective in training and supporting students to become skilled conflict resolvers and ambassadors of peace within their own communities. These programs often identify peer mediators as leaders in the school, drawing from diverse social and academic backgrounds. Interestingly, students who have previously experienced conflict with teachers or other students are often among the most successful peer mediators.
