Civil Rights

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) refers cases involving allegations of civil rights violations to Mediation Services. When the MDCR determines a complaint may be appropriate for mediation, both the claimant and the respondent are offered the option of mediation.  Our office conducts these mediations, which address concerns relating to race, religion, disability, age and cultural background.

If the civil rights complaint is resolved, the participants sign an agreement detailing the terms.  If the complaint is not resolved, the matter is returned to the MDCR investigative process.  The parties may continue to work on resolution throughout that process.

Neighborhood

People who live in close proximity may occasionally encounter conflicts.  Disputes may arise regarding fences, property damage and maintenance, parking, pets, noise, and other property incursion issues.

Mediation enables neighbors to seek resolutions of their conflicts with each other voluntarily, confidentially, and economically.

Landlord – Tenant

Mediation Services receives referrals from the City of Holland and other sources when landlord-tenant conflicts arise.  The involved parties can contact our office for mediation assistance as well.  Difficulties can arise in the landlord-tenant relationship regarding non-payment of rent by tenants, lack of repairs to rental properties by landlords, and interpretations of lease arrangements.

Our mediators help these mediation participants to discuss their concerns and work toward finding amicable solutions to preserve the tenancy relationship.

Restorative Justice (Victim – Offender)

When a crime is committed, mediation provides the offender a chance to make amends for past actions.  Restorative Justice centers around “repairing harm,” rather than “punishment.”  Accountability for the past behavior provides the means to repair the caused harm.

Should the victim and offender both choose to participate, a mediation would be scheduled.  Notably, the privacy of the victim is always respected, and safety is always prioritized.
Mediation allows the offender to take full responsibility for past behavior, the victim to detail the impact of the crime on his or her life, and the assessment of options for the future to redress the harm caused.