Download National Standards for Court-Connected ADR Programs

These standards for court-connected mediation programs have been developed to guide and inform courts interested in initiating, expanding or improving mediation programs to which they refer cases. The standards encompass access to mediation, selection of cases and timing of referral, mandatory attendance, qualification and selection of mediators, ethical standards for mediators, confidentiality, the role of lawyers, inappropriate pressure to settle, communications between mediators and the court, funding of programs and compensation of mediators, mediators' liability, and the enforceability of mediated agreements.