PCRC has adopted the Standards of Practice for California Mediators developed by the California Dispute Resolution Council (CDRC). These standards provide ethical guidelines for mediators. The full text of the CDRC Standards are available at www.cdrc.net.

Volunteer mediators must meet the following training requirements:

• successful completion of a minimum of 25 hours basic training in community mediation. This training must include coached role-play mediation. PCRC will determine whether a particular training meets our requirements.
• observation of one to three mediations in the PCRC community mediation program.
• participating in the mediator mentor program as a new volunteer.
• participating in at least 3 hours of ongoing conflict resolution training each year.

Mediators make a one-year commitment to PCRC to participate in all aspects of mediation.
Typically this will include:

• serving as Case Developer for a minimum of five cases.
• serving as Mediator for a minimum of three cases.
• serving as follow-up panelist for at least one case.
• participating in post-mediation debrief discussions with co-mediators following all mediations.
• ensuring PCRC standards for mediation are maintained by discussing any concerns regarding a particular mediation with the other panelists and PCRC staff.

PCRC Mediators agree to:

• use the PCRC facilitative mediation process for mediations.
• maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of their work as mediators.
• respond to calls from PCRC within 24 hours.
• notify PCRC of any changes in their volunteer status (address changes, availability, etc.).
• assist in maintaining mediation services which are of consistently high quality and which provide a valuable resource to the community.