Mediation
Mediation is an informal, voluntary, confidential facilitated discussion involving two or more participants in a conflict. The purpose of mediation is to give the parties involved an opportunity to reach a greater understanding of the underlying issues and work toward a resolution.
Trained, impartial mediators help guide the conversation and facilitate communication to enable the parties to share their stories and listen to one another. Ultimately the participants have sole responsibility for creating and implementing any agreements moving forward. Mediation works best when participants are willing to share their perspectives in a respectful way as well as listen to the other’s perspective.
Mediation requires that all participants first meet individually and confidentially with an Ombuds to discuss their own concerns. The Ombuds will make a determination about whether mediation is an appropriate option and reserves the right to not move forward with a mediation at any point. Additionally, participants may opt out. Participants may find individual meetings with the Ombuds beneficial, even if mediation does not occur.
To learn more about mediation for yourself or someone else, please call the Ombuds Office at (530) 754-7233 or (916) 734-1600 to schedule a confidential meeting to discuss the situation.