Mediation Services
The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) prides itself on continuously developing and expanding opportunities to build community and strengthen the justice system through the resolution of everyday conflicts.
Flexible, free services, provided by committed staff and volunteers continue to improve the lives of thousands of people who avoid court and participate in the often life-changing experience of mediation.
Flexible, free services, provided by committed staff and volunteers continue to improve the lives of thousands of people who avoid court and participate in the often life-changing experience of mediation.
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To learn more about the positive impact of our mediation services, please watch our video. |
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About Mediation |
“Without CCR we would’ve probably continued to go to court for years.” - Mediation Participant |
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process in which two or more parties involved in a dispute work with an impartial party, the mediator, to generate their own solutions in settling their conflict.
Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions subject one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties.
Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions subject one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties.
How does a dispute or a case reach mediation?
Anyone who is involved in the dispute can call CCR to open a case. Cases may also be referred by attorneys or judges by contacting the Center for Conflict Resolution. Call us at 312-922-6464 x22 or e-mail cm@ccrchicago.org. In many situations, if you are at court, you may also request mediation by asking the courtroom clerk or judge.
CCR also offers mediation services through programs developed in the Circuit Court of Cook County including the Daley Center, Skokie, Maywood, Markham, Bridgeview and Rolling Meadows courthouses, misdemeanor branch courts and Juvenile Court. CCR's other programs include mediations conducted at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), through the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), the Community Consensus Project, and those referred through the Law, Chancery, Probate and Domestic Relations divisions of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
CCR also offers mediation services through programs developed in the Circuit Court of Cook County including the Daley Center, Skokie, Maywood, Markham, Bridgeview and Rolling Meadows courthouses, misdemeanor branch courts and Juvenile Court. CCR's other programs include mediations conducted at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), through the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), the Community Consensus Project, and those referred through the Law, Chancery, Probate and Domestic Relations divisions of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
“We walked away with a resolution we both liked, and we’re getting along” – Mediation Participant 
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The majority of cases mediated by CCR are civil in nature. Mediations may involve tenants and landlords, families, neighborhoods, juvenile offenders, the workplace, corporate, employment, construction, real estate, health care, church and community disputes.
It is not necessary for cases to have legal issues and/or lawsuits pending. Please see to the left or click here to review our handy flow chart to help determine if your case is suitable for mediation. |
When should I consider mediation?
Mediation is always an option if you are thinking about taking your dispute to court. Other signs may be if the dispute has been ongoing, if you want to preserve a relationship being affected by the conflict, if the dispute is upsetting and affecting your daily life, if you cannot afford the time and cost involved with litigation, if you would like to speak to the other party so they may hear your concerns, or if you would like to resolve the dispute yourself without a third party judgment.
About the Mediator |
"[The mediator] was an attentive listener and kept things moving in a progressive manner." -Mediation Participant |
What is the mediator's role?
The mediator's role is to facilitate communication between the parties, not to impose solutions. Mediators do not advise, take sides or render a judgment. Instead, the mediator will work with all the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Who is the mediator?
CCR mediators are certified, trained volunteers from various professional backgrounds including attorneys, social workers, human resources specialists, therapists, teachers, managers, executives, ministers, doctors, consultants, police officers and students.
Can I speak to the mediator before the mediation?
The mediators are volunteering their time and do not work in the office. CCR case managers can answer any questions parties may have and can be reached during regular office hours.
What are the qualifications of CCR mediators?
The Center for Conflict Resolution mediators must participate in CCR's rigorous 40-hour mediation skills training and pass a series of performance-based simulations before they are able to mediate.
CCR mediators are volunteers with a minimum commitment of 18 months. Throughout their commitment, volunteers attend various educational seminars, workshops and trainings hosted by CCR that enhance the mediator's skills and knowledge of the mediation process.
CCR mediators are volunteers with a minimum commitment of 18 months. Throughout their commitment, volunteers attend various educational seminars, workshops and trainings hosted by CCR that enhance the mediator's skills and knowledge of the mediation process.
About the Mediation Process
How can I schedule a mediation?
Contact the Center for Conflict Resolution and a case manager will assist you in scheduling your mediation. The mediation will be scheduled approximately two to three weeks after CCR has contacted all the parties involved and they have voluntarily agreed to participate.
How long will the mediation take?
There is no time limit set on a mediation. The length of the mediation will be determined by how much time is needed to work through the issues. Most mediations last between two and four hours.
When are mediations scheduled?
Mediations are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., on one rotating day each week at 6:00 p.m., and on one to two Saturdays per month at 9:30 a.m.
Where do the mediations take place?Mediations are held at the CCR offices and at the previously mentioned court programs.
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"Easy, pleasant, inexpensive option." -Mediation Participant |
What is the fee for a mediation at CCR?
In most situations, CCR mediation services are free.
Who participates in the mediation?
The participants in the mediation are the actual parties involved in the dispute. At a minimum there are two parties involved; however, mediated disputes may include multiple parties. Participants of the mediation must have full authority to settle the case at the mediation session. CCR will be advised during the intake process of all parties who will attend. If attorneys have been retained, they are encouraged to attend the mediation to advise their client.
What materials should I bring to mediation?
Any materials the participant feels are necessary to help explain their issues may be brought to the mediation. It is important to remember that the mediation is not a legal proceeding and the mediator will not be making a decision in the case.
What are my legal rights?
The Center for Conflict Resolution does not provide any kind of legal advice or legal consultation.
Facilitation and Consulting
CCR has worked with dozens of government agencies, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to create conflict resolution programs.
For organizations and institutions that deal with conflict on a regular basis, CCR offers expertise to help design and implement efficient and effective ways to manage conflict. CCR helps organizations clarify goals, analyze current procedures, and translate innovative dispute resolution ideas into standard operating procedures.
If so, CCR can provide you with a trained, impartial facilitator to assist in making your organization's next meeting more valuable.
CCR has guided condominium associations, school boards, not-for-profit organizations, neighborhood groups, employee teams, businesses, and churches through their difficult conversations.
The facilitator uses his or her communication skills to encourage constructive participation among all members of the group. CCR facilitators stimulate creativity, assist in problem solving and help in the decision-making process. Additionally, the facilitator will prepare the group for the meeting and assist in designing the agenda.
Please contact the Center for Conflict Resolution for further information about these services.
For organizations and institutions that deal with conflict on a regular basis, CCR offers expertise to help design and implement efficient and effective ways to manage conflict. CCR helps organizations clarify goals, analyze current procedures, and translate innovative dispute resolution ideas into standard operating procedures.
- Are your meetings lacking productivity?
- Are organizational decisions being made but no action taken?
- Are people leaving your meetings upset with each other or so frustrated that they are not even attending?
If so, CCR can provide you with a trained, impartial facilitator to assist in making your organization's next meeting more valuable.
CCR has guided condominium associations, school boards, not-for-profit organizations, neighborhood groups, employee teams, businesses, and churches through their difficult conversations.
The facilitator uses his or her communication skills to encourage constructive participation among all members of the group. CCR facilitators stimulate creativity, assist in problem solving and help in the decision-making process. Additionally, the facilitator will prepare the group for the meeting and assist in designing the agenda.
Please contact the Center for Conflict Resolution for further information about these services.
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CCR Mediation Referral Form
Send the completed form and a copy of the court order, if applicable, to newcase@ccrchicago.org. |
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“I would use mediation again. It was informative, and the mediator was excellent. We were able to talk things out rationally. My anger diminished, and I was able to look at things in a different way. It took lots of hard work, but we reached an agreement!”—Mediation participant |
“ Money is often just one of several underlying concerns that parties have in a given conflict. In my experience, people have been able to reach meaningful and sustainable agreements only by fully satisfying all of their interests, many of which are non-monetary.”—Audrey Lee, Volunteer Mediator |