Program Description:

Mediation Services provides opportunities for adults with conflicts to: (1) talk about their disagreements; and, (2) consider methods for resolving conflicts. The program uses an evidence-based mediation process that allows parties to talk without interruption, clarify sides of an issue without violent behavior, hear how an incident has impacted their lives, reach an agreement to resolve their conflict, and have their court charges dismissed. AMS also provides training to local businesses, schools, neighborhood associations, churches, and governmental departments. Training subjects include public education in arbitration, cultural diversity, prejudice reduction, and conflict resolution. 

Who Can Refer?
District Attorneys, Judges, Law Enforcement Officers and members of the community.

Target Population:

Eligibility requirements are basic.  Any adult  who has taken out charges on another party or who had charges taken out on them for a mediation-appropriate offense is served through Adult Mediation Services when the District Attorney refers the case to the program.  Potential clients may also request mediation services for divorce issues, tenant-landlord disputes, organizational disputes, etc.

Program Goals:

Clients who have participated in mediation obtain improved communication and listening skills, social tolerance and patience, confidence, and resiliency which they can use in future situations that alter their behavior and subsequently, prevent additional hardship, improves relationships with others, and  minimizes the risk of future criminal charges.

Program Schedule:

Office mediations are scheduled week days – Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 am–4:00 pm and Friday between the hours of 9:00 am – 11:30 am. The majority of mediations are conducted at the Greensboro and High Point courthouses on the day the case is presented in court.  Mediations are scheduled 30 days in advance of the client`s next scheduled court date.

Program Location:

Administrative functions of Adult Mediation Services are conducted at the One Step Further office located at 623 Eugene Court, Greensboro, NC.

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Is there a fee for your service?

Yes. Service fees are charged to clients. Effective July 1, 2011, all nonprofit Mediation Center in North Carolina were granted the ability to receive a $60.00 court-ordered mediation fee and an administrative fee of $40.00 for one or two charges and $20.00 for each criminal case when there are three or more cases. The defendant of the case(s) is responsible for paying this fee unless otherwise agreed upon in the mediation agreement.