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Our History |
The concept of community mediation has grown rapidly over the course of the past three decades in response to concerns over violence in our society and frustration with our overburdened and expensive judicial system. Hundreds of community mediation centers now operate throughout the United States, and are widely recognized as vital components of justice in most states. The Center for Mediation & Collaboration Rhode Island (CMCRI), founded in 1996, is Rhode Island’s only such center. The idea of the Center was conceived among a group of visionary founders who wanted to increase the use of peaceful conflict resolution techniques across the state, and who, for several years, operated the Center as an entirely volunteer Board-run organization.
In April of 1999, at the request of Judge Indeglia, CMCRI began a pilot mediation program in Newport County Small Claims Court. From its inception the program was very successful. In 2000, at the request of the late Judge DeRobbio, the program expanded to Providence County Small Claims Court. In 2002, the program expanded further to Kent and Washington County Small Claims Courts, and then to Providence’s Housing Court. Today, the Center operates its Court Mediation Program in the four District Courts under a generous grant from the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
In addition to the Center’s court work, we have and continue to provide affordable mediation and dispute resolution services to community residents and organizations.
The Center also provides mediation and conflict resolution training to adults and children in the community and in the schools.
In April of 1999, at the request of Judge Indeglia, CMCRI began a pilot mediation program in Newport County Small Claims Court. From its inception the program was very successful. In 2000, at the request of the late Judge DeRobbio, the program expanded to Providence County Small Claims Court. In 2002, the program expanded further to Kent and Washington County Small Claims Courts, and then to Providence’s Housing Court. Today, the Center operates its Court Mediation Program in the four District Courts under a generous grant from the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
In addition to the Center’s court work, we have and continue to provide affordable mediation and dispute resolution services to community residents and organizations.
The Center also provides mediation and conflict resolution training to adults and children in the community and in the schools.
