COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE 8 MARCH 2018 MEDIATION

Background BCLS commenced operations 1992 First 15 years volunteer Solicitors and Barristers Part-time Solicitor employed two/three days per week In 2016/2017 Advices 643 Information 407 Referrals 252 Casework 100 Mediation 24

Strategic Planning 5 years ago Management Committee thought we could do better Commenced informal mediation process using volunteers Then worked on a more formal process 3 years ago developed a series of supporting documents Worked with various universities, mediators and organisations Now offer clients an option to consider mediation 8 Mediators on list, 4 are FDRP Accredited mediators Another 6 have shown interest, waiting for paperwork

Mediation - Intake Mediation targeted on those without the financial capacity to pay Clients offered mediation during the intake process Primarily as an option in Family Law matters - parenting We do not offer it for property related matters or where there is an allegation of domestic/family violence Also offered for civil type disputes including neighbourhood – fences etc.

Mediation - process Letter to other party Second letter to other party where no response Seek expressions of interest from panel of mediators Mediators contact parties Mediators arrange time and location (usually BCLS office) Mediation conducted Parties provided with signed agreement, where settlement Where parties do not wish to mediate, s.60i Certificate supplied

Questions Further information Michael Stubbins President Bayside Community Legal Service 105 Florence Street Wynnum mstubbins@bcls.org.au enquiries@bcls.org.au 3162 3282