The Community Mediation Center, the United Way's Agency of the Year partners with local courts and other human service agencies across Hampton Roads to help military families learn about mediation and gain access to low cost mediation services. Any issue that threatens the stability of the military family is appropriate for mediation. For example, issues such as custody, separation, support, housing, debt, contract dispute, or employment grievances are appropriate for mediation.

Mediation is..
Mediation is a process in which impartial mediators assist people in conflict to work together to understand and then resolve their differences. The mediation process helps people in the following ways:

• Provides a safe and confidential setting to talk.
• Helps everyone listen and be heard.
• Assists families in identifying important issues for now and in the future.
• Empowers families to make their own decisions for resolution.

By keeping two parents involved in the lives of children we are building a better future! Click helow to refer a case to mediation!

Details on Mediation...
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

How much does mediation cost?
The Center is offering mediation services to military families for free for E-1 to E-3. For others a sliding scale co-payment is determined by pay grade. Keep in mind that inability to pay will not limit access to mediation. Sliding fee copayment, per person, per hour.

• E-1 Free.....W-1 $40.....O-1 $30
• E-2 Free.....W-2 $40.....O-2 $40
• E-3 Free.....W-3 $50.....O-3 $50
• E-4 $10......W-4 $60.....O-4 $60
• E-5 $20......W-5 $70.....O-5 $70
• E-6 $30..................O-6 $80
• E-7 $40..................O-7 $90
• E-8 $50
• E-9 $60

1. First, Who are all the stakeholders and what are their relationships?
   Example: Consider a situation where your coworker is having custody and visitation issues over a young child. The decision makers are the two adults.
2. Then, by asking stakeholders about the basic issues you may be able to begin revealing the underlying concerns and interests.
   Example: How has visitation worked in the past? What other ways could custody and visitation work? Then, be a good listener.
3. By comparing the costs and benefits of trying a collaborative process, help the stakeholders see there are clear incentives to collaborate.
   Example: For the parents, having good family relations is one way to demonstrate our values for our children. This dispute should be dealt with in a collaborative way to maintain and restore civil adult and parent relations. Mediation is less expensive than attorney fees, and the parents will make decisions instead of being told what to do by a judge or other third party.
4. Consider the timeframe for making decisions and how a trained mediator would be able to help determine specific objectives, ground rules, format, etc.
   Example: Encourage your coworker to take advantage of free or low cost mediation by giving them this brochure, and ask them to call for more information.