The 17th Judicial Circuit's Foreclosure Mediation Program consists of both mediation and pre-mediation conferences, which are designed to determine which cases are suitable for mediation. The plaintiff is stayed from proceeding with the entry of judgment or confirmation of sale until the conclusion of the mediation process. Both the homeowner and the plaintiff are required to complete matters related to the mediation in a timely fashion and to participate in good faith. Although all communications and documents related to the mediation process are to remain confidential, if there is a contention that a party to mediation has failed to participate in mediation in good faith, then the judge may permit inquiry as needed to explore that contention. All mediators, whether retired judges or members in good standing of the Illinois state bar, must complete a 40 hour civil mediation course and a mortgage foreclosure mediation training program.