Programs
For over 30 years, NYSDRA has managed specialized state and federal contract-funded mediation and arbitration program services in all 62 counties of New York State. This is accomplished through our member network of community dispute resolution centers (CDRCs), which provide personalized, affordable, effective dispute resolution services for a wide range of conflicts including disputes involving families, separating or divorcing parents, schools, housing, and competing community and business interests in agricultural, rural, suburban, and urban areas.
CDRC mediation significantly reduces, and oftentimes obviates, the need for court-involvement for community members to reach resolution. The CDRCs are trained and skilled in providing conflict coaching, restorative circles, large-group facilitation, and community forum facilitation. These communication practices expand the concept of access to justice, as the voice and interests of individuals and communities are centered in our practice.
NYSDRA holds contracts with a variety of state and federal agencies to provide tailored services to target populations. Some examples of our partnerships:
Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) AmeriCorps Program
Our goal is to help foster supportive local communities for youth by delivering high quality dispute resolution services to youth and families. Placements include: School Based Conflict Resolution Specialists, Youth Services Specialist, Family Custody/ Visitation Specialist.
Lemon Law Arbitration Program
This program offers an independent, efficient and fair forum to settle disputes between consumers whose new, used and leased vehicles turn out to be "lemons" and the vehicle manufacturer. This program has been expanded to include motor homes, wheelchairs, motorcycles, and farm equipment.
IOLA Initiatives
Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) is a unique and innovative way to increase access to justice for individuals and families living in poverty and to improve our justice system. Without taxing the public, and at no cost to lawyers or their clients, interest from lawyer trust accounts is pooled to provide civil legal aid to the poor and support improvements to the justice system.