2017-481-E Finance - Dispute Settlement Center, Inc. - Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:88AEE9BF-924A-442D-BD41-DC640F1 E1 BAC EXHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION g) Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) Our Mediation Coordinator has 22 years mediation experience, and her staff co- mediator has six years mediation experience, a law degree and a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from NC Central School of Law. They oversee staff and volunteer mediators: each has gone through from 24-60+ hours of mediation training, an apprenticeship, and years of experience. The agency's Executive Director is an attorney and is also certified by the NC Dispute Resolution Commission for Mediated Settlement Conferences. h) Describe the specific period over which the activities will be carried out and include an implementation timeline. July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 we will attend Criminal District Court "People's Court" sessions regularly for referral, interviewing, and mediation. This means Mondays and Thursdays, with a team of mediators attending on the People's Court days. In addition, we receive referrals, do intake, and mediate family, community and eldercare cases throughout the year. Medicaid Appeals are referred to us when initiated, and we have 25 days in which to hold a mediation and report. i) Why is funding this program a good investment for the community? How does funding this program add value to the community? (250 words OR LESS) Orange County has a role to play in making sure that the local court system functions effectively. A crowded docket strains resources and lack of efficiency in case management could also mean increased crowding and liability in the local jail. Chief District Court Judge Joseph Buckner has said that his courthouse would "be in lock-down" without the assistance of Dispute Settlement Center mediators relieving the courts. In addition, offering disputants a chance to sit down with mediators helps them reach lasting resolutions so that behaviors leading to warrants are less likely to be repeated. These are public safety issues. Families in Orange County need affordable mediation services when faced with separation and divorce. While there are private mediators, we are the only mediators with a sliding scale fee structure. Low to moderate income couples — and those unemployed- need this support. In addition, as the population ages, more families struggle with transitions around care of elders. We offer a different way, beyond fighting, litigation, or suffering in silence. This includes assisting the Orange County Clerk of Court with family situations at his request. Finally, having a place to contact for help and support with neighborhood or other conflicts means we can be a gentler community — where people try to talk to each other over differences, rather than litigating, fighting, or avoiding each other. j) Describe what would happen if requested funding is not awarded at all or if a reduced PROGRAM INFORMATION 2/8/2017 11:26:12 AM II I:' 15 r 2 2