DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM (DRP)
The highly acclaimed Dispute Resolution Program utilizes mediation services as an alternative to formal court proceedings. This valuable program is funded by an $8 fee on first time civil filings and serves almost 50,000 residents, businesses and organizations each year. In 2009, the program resolved more than 6,600 disputes, saving $31 million by keeping these cases out of the court system.
Examples of disputes eligible for mediation services include:
· Business-business
· Consumer-merchant
· Landlord-tenant
· Neighbor-neighbor
· Youth-schools
· Personal injury-property damage
Services are provided by 14 contractor agencies that meet California’s statutory requirements in the fields of conciliation, mediation, arbitration and group facilitation. Referrals can come from the Courts or Prosecutor offices, or through individual or other agency referrals. In April, the Board of Supervisors honors outstanding mediators of the past year.
For services, call (800) 510-2020 or (213) 738-4004.
If you are not in California, please call (213) 738-4004.