VOA Turns to Virtual Mediation to Solve Conflict
VOA Turns to Virtual Mediation to Solve Conflict
Local Dispute Resolution Centers are first in state to adopt on-line strategy.
Everett, WA—May 26th, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Volunteers of America Western
Washington (VOA) has accelerated its innovative strategy to offer mediation on-line through its
Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) in Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties. “We led the charge
in Washington State,” says Senior Director of DRCs LaDessa Croucher. “We’re moving on-line.
We have to.”
Mental health experts predict growing rates of domestic violence, family conflict, and other
issues as victims cannot employ regular coping strategies, such as escaping to work, school, or
social activities. And, because many children are not regularly being observed outside their homes,
due to the closure of schools, it’s highly likely that instances of child abuse or neglect are going
unreported. Mediation is an evidence-based, effective strategy to resolve many types of family,
community, and workplace conflict, and is now available to anyone with access to the internet.
Resolution Washington, which coordinates all DRCs in the state, reports that mediation is faster,
cheaper and often more effective than litigation, generating solutions crafted by the participants in
an atmosphere of safety, respect, and listening. In 2019, over 5,000 cases were mediated in
Washington State, often by volunteer mediators, a value of over $2 million. 90% of clients reported
that mediation improved their situation, and 77% of family mediations settled during the process.
In Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties, 825 cases were mediated by the VOA’s Dispute
Resolution Centers in 2019, resulting in 67% of family mediation cases settled.
Given today’s social isolation, virtual mediation is becoming a valuable option for many
looking to resolve conflict now. VOA sees virtual mediation as an important option for those in
rural communities, homebound seniors, military families and anyone with transportation
challenges.
Croucher reports that 28 volunteers and staff have already been trained in using on-line
platforms, and virtual mediation is now a viable option for anyone experiencing conflict. She
believes civil court will eventually recognize virtual mediation as a valuable option for resolving
disputes, possibly after the pandemic. “If you show the court the same efficiencies online as in-person, keep resolving up to 65% of civil cases before trial, these services could create greater
efficiencies. I see virtual mediation becoming a regular part of how we operate.”