Mediation is a conversation guided by a neutral third party. It’s voluntary, confidential, and focused on finding solutions that work for everyone involved. It’s faster than court, less expensive, and keeps decisions in the hands of the people affected.

Our mediators come from the communities we serve. They speak the languages, understand the context, and meet people where they are—at our Jamaica headquarters, at Queensbridge Houses, at partner sites across Queens and Brooklyn, or online through remote mediation.

CMS has provided mediation and dispute resolution services across Queens since 1983 and has served as the Queens Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) since 1995.

Each year we handle approximately 1,000 community intakes, 700 family and civil mediations, 250 youth sessions, and 200 restorative justice circles—with a 75% post-mediation compliance rate and 85% client satisfaction.

Our panel includes 60+ trained volunteer mediators.

• Family Court (custody, visitation, guardianship)
• Divorce mediation (Supreme Court referrals)
• Civil Court and Small Claims
• Housing Court
• Surrogate’s Court
• Lemon Law Arbitration

• Neighbor and roommate disputes
• Elder care and family conflict
• Landlord-tenant issues
• Special Education and Early Intervention

Processes that bring together those affected by harm to repair relationships and restore community.

Queensbridge Mediation Hub A dedicated site at Queensbridge Houses with six resident mediators trained from the community. Since launching, 311 calls in the development have dropped 30%..

A dedicated site at Queensbridge Houses with six resident mediators trained from the community. Since launching, 311 calls in the development have dropped 30%..

Virtual sessions available for participants who cannot meet in person.

We train individuals and organizations in mediation, conflict resolution, and facilitation. Programs include:

• Basic Mediation Training (30 hours, NYS OCA Part 146 certified)
• Apprenticeship program (13 weeks)
• Specialty tracks (divorce, housing, restorative justice, peer mediation)
• Continuing education
• Custom workshops for schools, nonprofits, and agencies

Court-certified trainers. 30+ years training locally and nationally.