About Shared Neutrals

The mission of the Shared Neutrals Program is to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies to facilitate the efficient resolution of disputes involving state agencies and citizens in a timely and cost effective manner by providing trained mediators at no additional cost to those who seek assistance in resolving disputes.

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third person, called a mediator, acts to encourage and assist in the resolution of a dispute between two (2) or more parties.  The objective is to help the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement between or among themselves on all or any part of the issues in dispute. Decision making power rests with the parties, not the mediator. The mediator assists the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving, and exploring settlement alternatives.

Some of the benefits of using a mediator are:

• Mediation empowers citizens and agency employees by enhancing their understanding of the dispute while increasing their ability to influence the outcome;
• Mediation provides additional opportunities for citizens and agency employees to interact, diffuse conflict, and build more productive working relationships;