CDS plans, convenes, and facilitates meetings of groups with differing views to

• address those differences in constructive ways
• enhance communication and encourage dialogue among members of various constituencies
• develop solutions to problems of mutual concern
• avoid polarization among disputants

Assisting the Courts

CDS co-authored National Standards for Court-Connected Mediation Programs, under a grant from the State Justice Institute. The Standards can be viewed in their entirety at www.caadrs.org

CDS’ skilled dispute settlement professionals are called on to serve as court requested special masters and provide assistance and advice in complicated cases where mediation or negotiation is proving valuable.