When looking for a constructive way to resolve a conflict, the Howard County Mediation and Dispute Resolution Center offers free or low-cost mediation services. This program can provide remote, and possibly in-person, services to individuals and communities in Allegany County. If you are considering filing a complaint against a mediator, it is important to understand the process and contact the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) at 1-888-743-002. The first step in filing a complaint against a mediator is to assign the complaint to the first available mediator. All parties involved must be present at the mediation sessions, and if the complainant is under 18 years of age or has a mental, physical, or emotional condition or disability that prevents them from participating competently, a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must be present.
The mediator will work with the parties to reach an agreement that resolves the complaint. If successful, the mediator and parties must sign a mediation agreement. The executive director will include a copy of the mediation agreement in the complaint file and send a copy of the agreement to the police chief. The police chief will then monitor the conduct of the police officer or officers to ensure they meet the terms of the agreement. If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, the executive director may dismiss the complaint, refer it for investigation, or refer it for judgment if no further investigation is necessary. The time it takes to mediate a claim varies depending on its complexity and the willingness of all parties involved.
In Maryland, MACRO provides partial support so fees are very low. In other courts and private mediation, fees are usually calculated by the hour and divided among participants. The agreements reached in mediation are only final when all participants are satisfied and willing to sign with their names. The mediation process assumes that participants can negotiate without fear of retaliation, which might not be possible in relationships that have involved a history of domestic violence. The process cannot last more than 30 days from the initial session without approval from the executive director.
If one party does not participate in good faith or refuses to participate at all, the executive director may dismiss the complaint, refer it for investigation, or refer it for judgment if no further investigation is necessary.
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