2018-412-E Finance - Dispute Settlement Center outside agency agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: D068E7B0- D869- 43F4- B35C- 428F10E3BDC1 EXHIBIT A: PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION stress and perhaps improved relationships. Through the mediation process, they may learn skills that help them speak up for themselves more effectively. This, we believe, is a building block for democracy and inclusiveness. e) Describe the community need or problem to be addressed in relation to the Chapel Hill Human Services Needs Assessment, Orange County BOCC Goals and Priorities, Town of Chapel Hill Council Goals, Carrboro Board Priorities, or other community priorities (i.e. Council /Board Goals). Reference local data (using the provided links, i.e. Chapel Hill Human Services Needs Assessment) to support the need for this program. "Ending the overuse of jail will reduce economic and racial inequalities and is an essential part of advancing civil rights in the 21st century." Nicholas Turner, President and Director, Vera Institute of Justice. We are proud that Orange County (to the best of our knowledge) is the only county in NC which provides mediation without cost in Criminal District Court, due to the funding of Dispute Settlement Center through this grant. A recent report "Court Fines and fees: Criminalizing Poverty in NC" www.ncpolicywatch.com /2018/01/03 details the legislature's increasing reliance on court fees that millions cannot afford. Court fees can constitute an on -going "poverty trap." We can help get cases settled, and people back to their jobs.. As quoted above on the County's website, the BOCC recognizes that smooth and equitable functioning of the court system is a part of its larger goals. Any of the 135,000 Orange County residents may in fact be in Criminal District Court, but many are low- resource individuals working in hourly positions. Court may have been a last resort for them in a conflict with their friend, neighbor, family member or colleague. While they have a right to use court, it may not be the best route to resolution for them. We give them an option of mediation, which can mean a quicker return to work, as well as a much better resolution. (Note that some court clients may live in Chatham, Durham, Alamance or Wake and be involved in an Orange County Court case.) We cannot claim to prevent violence or that we advance civil rights. But, contributing to the efficiency of the court system AND helping people take more control over their lives contributes to both of these BOCC goals. As we encourage mediation and conciliation in the community (out of court) we also hope to contribute to the County goals of full civic participation, in a safe community, and promoting the well -being of all citizens. Conflict avoidance (or fighting) is stressful. In the case of family mediation, there is strong research showing that mediation is better for the long -term relationships between parents and children. (see Robert Emery, PhD. at the University of Virginia's Center for Children, Families and the Law.) Likewise in eldercare mediation, or other family situations, relationships can salvaged, or improved, in mediation. f) Who is your target population of individuals to benefit from this program and how will they be identified and connected with the program? Court: Anyone in Criminal District Court as a result of a civilian- generated warrant may be referred to us by the court (we screen for violence) and have an option to mediate. Also, we can receive referrals from Small Claims Court, 50 -C, and Truancy Court. PROGRAM INFORMATION 1/22/2018 4:11:17 PM