CMS Programs

USDA Certified State Agricultural Mediation Program in Maine

• Mediators are neutral – they do not take sides – they help the parties find solutions.
• Mediation builds strong working relationships with producers, their lenders and the government agencies with whom they work.
• Decisions are made rapidly by involved parties, streamlining government involvement.

• Community Mediation Services is the USDA Certified State Agricultural Mediation Program in Maine.
• Mediations are free
• Mediations are set up immediately
• Conflicts addressed include loan credit decisions, wetland use, rural housing loans, rural development, natural resource issues, and others.

• Neutrality. It is critical that mediation programs are neutral in practice as well as in perception. Producers must have confidence that the program helps parties settles disputes in a fair manner.
• Confidentiality. Confidentiality is vital to the integrity and success of the mediation process. Mediation provides a confidential forum to discuss complex issues.
• Autonomy. Although funded by the USDA, Community Mediation Services and their mediators are not beholden to the USDA or any of its programs within the mediation process.

• In 1988, Congress authorized USDA to develop and participate in Certified State Farm Mediation Programs under the USDA Farm Loan Mediation Program – part of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987.
• Community Mediation Services has been providing community-based mediation since 1994.
• Community Mediation Services USDA Program mediators all have a background and/or training in farming.

• Thirty-eight states now have USDA Certified State Agricultural Mediation Programs.
• Over 5,000 cases were mediated in FY 2005 nationwide.
• This program is growing for good reason – it works.

Department of Health & Human Services Children's Grievances

Under the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who Are Children in Need of Treatment, Community Mediation Services provides mediation to all parties who elect mediation under the Department's grievance process.

If all parties to the dispute agree to mediate, the program sets up a mediation session ultizing volunteer Mediators. The Mediator ensure that each party has an opportunity to be heard and understood and then will assist everyone at the table to work toward an agreement that is acceptable to everyone.

Mediations are held on-site at the Hallowell mediation center, or, if necessary, at an alternate location that is convenient and accessible to all parties.

Workplace Disputes:

Community Mediation Services provides conflict resolution training and mediation services for conflicts between:

• Employees
• Employees and Management
• Companies and Clients
• Companies and Vendors

Facilitation Services:

• Meetings
• Strategic Planning Sessions
• Business Retreats
• Conferences

Grievance Services:

Community Mediation Services will help your organization develop a grievance process to use with your employees, clients or customers.

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