Conflict Resolution

Many personal and family problems can be resolved through mediation. By California law aimed at reducing court caseloads, the initial mediation sessions are free of charge. One organization you can call to negotiate restitution and resolve conflicts between victims and offenders arising from property crimes like theft, vandalism, burglary, and trespass is the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) at (619) 280-1993. VORP also deals with conflicts between family members, e.g., parent-child. Mediation provides an opportunity for frustrated parents, unhappy children, and troubled families to talk about the things that bother them, set goals, and work out agreements to help them get along better.

To resolve civil disputes involving neighbors, landlords and tenants, family members (divorce and parent-child), businesses, etc., call the National Conflict Resolution Center at (619) 238-2400. The Center lists the following reasons to consider mediation in dealing with parent-child problems:

• It's different from therapy.
• No one tells you what to do.
• What everyone has to say is important.
• Each person is listened to with respect.
• It works for 90 percent of the parents and teens who try it.
• Your family controls the outcome by forming agreements that work for those involved.
• It can prevent disputes from escalating to violence.
• It's confidential. No one reports anything that is said in mediation.
• You have nothing to lose.