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What is the Dispute
Resolution Center?
Established in 1980, the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) is a
non-profit corporation sponsored by the Houston Bar Association and
funded through Harris County.
What does the DRC do?
The DRC provides free alternative dispute resolution
services for residents of Harris County. The Center’s primary
focus is mediation.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a non-adversarial, quick and private process that helps
people resolve their disputes. The mediation process promotes effective
and positive communication of issues, generates options that may resolve
the dispute, and reduces possible hostility between the parties
involved.
Why mediate truancy issues?
Truancy (failure to
attend school) is frequently just one of a wide range of issues and
concerns facing many of today’s youth. Mediation provides a forum in
which the parties are able to address other issues and concerns that may
be contributing factors. Time is taken to understand and work on all
issues and concerns; something the courts, due to their high case
volume, are unable to do. In a mediation setting, all parties
(including the youth, parents and school officials) have a voice and
will be listened to. In many cases mediation can eliminate the need for
the school to file charges in court against a parent or child.
Charges in court typically result in a $500.00 fine
for a parent or child.
What happens in mediation?
The mediator will help all parties see the issues clearly, come
up with options, negotiate effectively, and help them attempt to reach
their own agreement. The mediator will not take sides, make
decisions for the parties, or act as a judge.
Where do the mediators come from?
The mediators are neutral third parties from many different
professional backgrounds. They all volunteer for the DRC and not
employed by, nor will they advocate for, any schools. All mediators
have completed State required training and bring years of mediation
experience to the table.
What happens if an agreement is reached?
The mediator will write the agreement on a form and have everyone
sign it. All parties are then given a copy of the signed agreement for
their records.
What happens if an agreement is NOT reached?
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the school will
most likely proceed in the manner it deems most appropriate.
How long will the mediation last?
Truancy mediations typically last an hour or two, depending on the
number and complexity of issues and concerns.
Does mediation really work?
YES.
Mediation is a very successful way of getting parties to work together
in a positive fashion towards resolving issues and concerns relating to
truancy. The DRC uses highly skilled and trained mediators who will
help the parties look closely at the issues and select a plan of action
that will be best for all involved.
Most
cases can be resolved in mediation.
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