Program areas at Mediation Center of Dutchess County
The community program provides Mediation, training, and education from the transformative framework in order to obtain conflict resolution and prevention. There is in-person and virtual Mediation programs for those interested in learning Mediation skills for volunteering with the Center, for personal or professional development. There are sessions to cover all aspects of the platforms that are used during mediations. The organization also created and shared a virtual Mediation technology guide for the mediator, which gives step-by-step instructions for the platforms. This spectrum has required staff to take much more time, effort, and consideration on an individual basis to "meet folks where they are, wherever they are".
Other programs consist of divorce Mediation, family Mediation, and other dispute resolution services which are all facilitated virtually. Family and divorce Mediation is offered for parties that are self-referred or court-referred. Parties make decisions about all aspects of their divorce and/or visitation, may consult with attorneys during the Mediation process, and have attorneys file their separation, divorce, or visitation agreements with the court without needing to appear.
The restorative justice initiative program offers services both in person and virtual platform. Many of our partners are with youth-serving organizations and/or schools. The initiative offers conflict resolution and training services to youth, families, neighbors, businesses, schools, and community agencies.