Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where people in conflict sit down with neutral, professionally trained mediators to find common ground. Our certified mediators don’t take sides—they listen, help identify key issues, and guide the conversation. Together, participants work toward practical, mutually acceptable solutions—on their own terms.
FAQs
What is Mediation (Facilitated Dialogue)?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where people in conflict sit down with neutral, professionally trained mediators to find common ground. Our certified mediators don’t take sides—they listen, help identify key issues, and guide the conversation. Together, parties work toward practical, mutually acceptable solutions—on their own terms.
Which approach to mediation does the CPC use?
The CPC practices a facilitative approach to mediation. Parties are guided through the mediation process to settlement and improved communication. The mediators do not provide an evaluation of each parties’ strengths and weaknesses as might happen in a mediation under an evaluative style of mediation.
Why Mediation?
- Your solution is what matters. When you choose mediation as your resolution approach, you retain control over the decision that will resolve the conflict(s).
- A third party does not decide the outcome. Resolve your case quickly. Mediation can take place within just a few weeks of when you request it.
- Mediation is cost effective. Mediation will provide resolution more quickly than going to court, and will cost less money.
- Mediation is confidential. Information about your situation won’t be accessible to people outside the dispute.
Who are the mediators?
The CPC’s mediators are members of our local communities who have taken specialized training to become professionally certified. They represent the diversity of our communities in age, gender, language, abilities, and ethnicity.
What are the mediator’s qualifications?
Volunteers must be certified as mediators and endorsed in the specific area of mediation associated with the case. They must also adhere to the Standards of Practice of the Washington Mediation Association. Certification requirements include a minimum of 40 hours of mediation training, a comprehensive exam, observation of mediation sessions, mediation practice sessions, and 24 hours of mediation experience. Endorsement in specializations within the field of mediation require additional training and practice.
How can I get started?
People involved in conflicts can call the Community Peace Center, send an email message, or stop by the office in Yakima to open a mediation request. We will contact the other party or parties and inquire if they are willing to mediate.
(509)453-8949
Is mediation expensive?
Family mediation sessions cost $300 per party – that includes a $100 intake fee and a $200 mediation session fee (including pre-session orientation). Most non-family mediations cost $200 per party. (You may apply for financial assistance by filling out a hardship application.)
Is there financial aid?
People may apply for a fee reduction by requesting the Hardship Application. The form and required documentation must be returned two weeks before you schedule your mediation. You can print this form, scan it and your proof of income and return it to info@cpcocw.org.
How long do mediation sessions usually last?
Most mediation sessions run between 2 and 3 hours in length. If you are scheduled for a mediation session, please block out at least that amount of time to work toward your resolution. If a mediation session exceeds 3 hours and 45 minutes, a second mediation session will be scheduled by the mediator. A second session is typically scheduled right away if all parties are available.
What types of cases will the CPC mediate?
Marriage Dissolution & Parenting Plans
Family/Relationship Improvement
Facilitated Dialogues for Couples
Parent/Child disputes
Mediation services for senior citizens
Small claims court cases
Neighborhood disagreements about noise, pets, children, etc.
Boundary disputes
Landlord/tenant disputes
Foreclosure matters
Consumer/business disputes
Civil complaints
Government/citizen disputes
Non-violent victim-offender cases
School mediation
Organizational/Agency mediation
Multi-party mediation
Community meeting facilitation
If you don’t see your specific situation mentioned here, please call us to see whether mediation might be appropriate for you.
How can I train to become a mediator?
The CPC offers mediation training twice per year. Call or email us to receive information about the training schedule.
Is there a volunteer program at the CPC?
Yes! The CPC utilizes volunteers to assist in the office, to help plan and coordinate events, and as part of our speakers’ bureau. Volunteers also serve as the CPC’s dedicated, highly skilled mediators. Call or email the CPC office to talk about joining us as a volunteer!
Does the CPC accept donations?
Absolutely! The Community Peace Center is a private, not-for-profit organization recognized under section 501©3 of the US Internal Revenue Service code. Generally, donations are tax deductible. Contributions can be sent to the CPC office or you can make an online contribution. Your contribution will be acknowledged with a thank you letter.
Small Claims
CPC mediators mediate small claims cases for Yakima and Kittitas counties. This is an opportunity for parties to come to their own solutions before going to trial. Mediators are volunteers and staff employed by the CPC, not the court.
