Mediation is a way of resolving problems with some outside help. Mediators help the people in a conflict to talk confidentially about what’s going on, identify possible ways to deal with the situation, and figure out solutions all people involved think will work. Mediators do not take sides, decide what is right or wrong, or make decisions for the people in conflict. Some areas where mediation is helpful include:
DIVORCE/SEPARATION In mediation, married, unmarried and divorced couples can address issues such as co-parenting, dealing with property and debt, custody, and support and visitation.
FAMILY Mediation helps family members (couples, parent-teens, adult siblings, etc.) reach agreements that enhance relationships.
HOUSING Mediations can assist neighbors, landlords and tenants resolve problems and prevent eviction. (See more on CRG's participation in the Eviction Diversion Initiative below.)
CONSUMERS/BUSINESSES Customers and businesses or service providers can address disagreements about products, services and payments through mediation.
WORKPLACE Mediation can support co-workers or groups within organizations or businesses resolve conflict, increase productivity and increase employee satisfaction.
SCHOOLS School mediation provides students valuable conflict resolution skills and helps resolve conflicts between school personnel, students, and their families.
AGRICULTURAL Mediation helps farmers with adverse decisions by the USDA. Borrowers and creditors in the farming community can also settle disputes through mediation.
COURTS CRG mediates small claims courts cases in District Courts and receives referrals from the Probate and Family Courts and Hampden Family Resources Specialty Court.
ELDERS Mediation can reduce tensions, increase understanding and support collaborative choices for elders, families and caregivers involved in life decisions.
RE-ENTRY Mediation offered to incarcerated individuals who are within 12 months of being released provides an opportunity to connect with people in their lives to support a softer landing and reduce their chances of re-incarceration after they rejoin their community.
CRG'S HOUSING MEDIATION PROGRAM (PART OF MASSACHUSETTS EVICTION DIVERSION PROGRAM)
If you are facing a housing crisis, help is available!
CRG's Housing Mediation Program is part of the statewide Eviction Diversion Initiative to prevent homelessness by keeping residents stably housed and landlords from mortgage foreclosures. Together with other organizations, we support landlords and tenants to talk about what is important to them and to help them find solutions that work for everyone involved. Mediations under this program are provided free of charge.
When can mediation help? Mediation can help at any stage of the conflict, before anything gets filed, or before or during the court process. Mediation can help while you wait for a decision on your application for RAFT/ERMA/ERAP or other financial aid. These assistance programs may provide income-eligible households with payments direct to landlords to pay retroactive, overdue, and/or future rent costs.
What can I expect to happen? We provide mediation services online or by phone, at times that work for you. Staff provide hands-on assistance through the entire process from the screening of your case, arranging the mediation, to help setting up the session. Staff can also provide referrals to agencies for financial or legal assistance. As needed, staff can explore options for interpretation services.
How can I learn more?
Contact us to learn more about mediation options for your situation.