This evaluation reports on an array of programs under the umbrella of the Multi-Option ADR Project in San Mateo County, California. The programs include a for-fee civil and probate mediation program, a for-fee family law mediation program, a free small claims program, a free judicial arbitration program and a free juvenile dependency mediation program.
To evaluate the civil program, survey was mailed to roughly 600 ADR participants. Of these, 208 were returned. Survey responses indicated that 64% of cases filed participated in some form of ADR. Of those, 65% settled or partly settled in the ADR session. The most utilized method of ADR was mediation; 88% of those who reported using ADR participated in mediation. Another 6% used private settlement, 3% used early neutral evaluation, and 2% used arbitration. Most cases participated in ADR after some discovery had been conducted. Of those who responded, 76% thought that ADR reduced court time. They also overwhelmingly thought the process was fair.
The family law program had just begun at the time of the evaluation; no data had yet been collected except resolution rate, which stood at 70%. Surveys of those involved in small claim mediation showed that 48% settled in mediation; nevertheless, 91% believed mediation was a positive experience.
Description of Study: Study of type of disposition, settlement rate, session length, and satisfaction for a multi-door ADR project.
Method: A survey was sent to 600 ADR participants to determine case status and satisfaction with the selected disposition process.
Comparative: No
Sample Size: 208 questionnaires returned of 600 mailed for cases referred between July 1999 and March 2000
Variables Examined: Type of disposition, settlement rate, session-length, satisfaction
Program Variables: Program was begun in 1996. The options included a for-fee civil and probate mediation program, a for-fee family law mediation program, a free small claims mediation program, a free judicial arbitration program, and a free juvenile dependency mediation program. Roster mediators in for-fee options were paid by the parties. The program was voluntary; parties selected an ADR process and the neutral during the case management phase (which begins 120 days after filing).
Findings: Survey responses indicated that 64% of cases filed participated in some form of ADR. Of those, 65% settled or partly settled in the ADR session. The most utilized method of ADR was mediation; 88% of those who reported using ADR participated in mediation. Another 6% used private settlement, 3% used early neutral evaluation, and 2% used arbitration. Most cases participated in ADR after some discovery had been conducted. Of those who responded, 76% thought that ADR reduced court time. They also overwhelmingly thought the process was fair.
The family law program had just begun at the time of the evaluation; no data had yet been collected except resolution rate, which stood at 70%. Surveys of those involved in small claims mediation showed that 48% settled in mediation; nevertheless, 91% believed mediation was a positive experience.