The Dispute Resolution program offers an alternative to resolving common disputes without resorting to civil court mediation by providing funding to support the delivery of dispute resolution services across the state. Established under the Washington State Court Improvement Act of 1984 (RCW 7.75), Dispute Resolution Centers (DRC) provide a range of programs to communities, including trauma-informed services supporting housing stability, family stability, and youth and community restorative practices focusing on equity.
Local courts frequently mandate mediation for civil disputes before accepting petitions for civil hearings. The DRC program offers services provided with program funds include training and background knowledge on specialty issues and mediation for:
- Pre-divorce child custody
- Small claims
- Neighborhood association and covenant violations
- Youth peer conflict
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Eldercare problems
- Workplace issues
Dispute Resolutions Centers (DRCs)
Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) across Washington reduce the burdens of the courts, saving taxpayers money, and increasing access to justice for traditionally underserved populations. In 2019, DRCs mediated 5,070 cases, successfully settling 64% of them. In addition, 90% of clients reported mediation improved their situation. There are currently 21 DRCs operating in 25 Washington counties. These centers:
- Promote mediation as an alternative to the court system
- Resolve disputes in their local communities
- Encourage community participation and volunteerism in local programs
- Educate individuals and organizations about how to prevent conflict and resolve disputes peacefully
- Develop, communicate and teach mediation best practices
Annually DRCs appropriate more than $2 million worth of volunteer hours, directly serve more than 55,000 people, indirectly serve 200,000 people whose lives are positively affected by mediation and other services and reach out to over 7 million Washington residents.