The Dispute Resolution Center

The Dispute Resolution Center provides community-based and court-connected dispute resolution services to Berkshire County residents.

Specific areas include but are not limited to the following:

• Agricultural Mediation
• Elder and Estate Planning
• Housing Mediation
  • Landlord/tenant disputes, including eviction cases
  • Tenant/tenant and neighbor disputes
• Interpersonal
• School Mediation
  • Currently available at seven of the Pittsfield Public Schools, the Family/School Program offers dispute resolution services to students, teachers, and parents.
• Small Claims
• Commercial and Contract Disputes
• Workplace

Other Dispute Resolution Services Available

• Conciliation
• Conflict Coaching
• Facilitation
• Restorative Practices

Dispute Resolution Trainings

The Dispute Resolution Center offers several training opportunities each year, including a Basic Mediation Training, which provides participants with the resources and tools required to effectively resolve disputes. The Center’s 35-hour Basic Mediation Training meets the requirement outlined in the Massachusetts Confidentiality Statute (MGL c. 233, s.23C) and Rule 8 of the MA Supreme Judicial Court’s Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Center offers several volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved in mediation and enhance their skill set. The opportunities include both court-connected and community-based work. Candidates must be accepted to the Mediation Practicum and are required to receive 6 hours of relevant continuing education each year. Volunteers are offered several training opportunities through the Center each year in addition to networking opportunities with other volunteer mediators in the area.

GET INVOLVED!

Interested in volunteering and/or training with the Dispute Resolution Center? Complete the form below and we will get back to you soon.