| Dispute Resolution Services |
|
The 1987 ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Act made mediation and five other processes
available to Texans. These processes offer people a way to resolve conflicts other than going
to court or taking the matter into their own hands. Eighteen DRS centers in Texas offer
mediation. The Nueces County Neighborhood Justice Center, Inc., d/b/a Nueces County Dispute
Resolution Services, (DRS) opened in 1985 to serve Nueces County. DRS has expanded to also
serve San Patricio, Bee and Live Oak counties.
|
| History |
|
In 1985, the Nueces County Bar Association presented the concept of an alternative dispute
resolution center to the Nueces County Commissioners Court. The Court approved the assessment
of special court costs, as provided by Art. 2372 a Tx. Civil Statute, to fund such a Center.
Since the Center opened in in November 1985, DRS has assisted the residents and businesses of
Nueces, San Patricio, Bee, and Live Oak Counties to settle a wide variety of disputes. The
Center functions as a non-profit 501C (3) organization under the guidance of the Board of
Directors and the continued support of the County Commissioners Courts.
|
| Services |
Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday
through Thursday, closes at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, and closes from noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Cases are scheduled approximately two weeks from when the Center accepts the case and receives
the completed Request for Mediation. Although the primary focus of DRS is mediation, disputes are
screened to determine if mediation is a viable option. Should mediation not be appropriate, the
initiating party is refered to another agency or to the courts. Referrals are usually made at
intake. Cases are also referred during the course of the medaition if it becomes evident that a
relative core issue such a alcohol or drug abuse needs to be addressed.
Mediation is quick,
allows the disputants to vent their emotions in a safe setting, and gives the disputants control
of the resolution. Because mediation is not a trial, the disputants are not bound by laws of the
court. Real estate agents, attorneys and other professionals are welcome to attend the mediation
with their client.
|
| Staff |
|
Dispute Resolution Services has two staff members and many excellent mediators. The mediators
are volunteers who represent a cross section of the community. They bring their personal and
professional experience into the mediations. All mediators must successfully complete a 40-hour of
Mediation Training in the Empowerment Style of Mediation. Mediatiors must also observe a mediation
and participate in three co-mediations. Family mediators must successfully complete an additional
32-hour Family Mediation training. All DRS mediators reeive on-going mediation training to keep
their skills sharp.
|
| Fees |
All mediation for Nueces County residents are free.
|
| For more information, call the DRS office. |
|
