Home Principles    Mission Statement    Ombuds Advisory Committee About    Frequently Asked Questions    Our Staff    Resources and Links    Annual Reports    Contact Us/Appointments Alternative Dispute Resolution    Mediation    Restorative Justice Evaluate Us 1205-K Girvetz Hall Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7210 Phone: (805) 893-3285 Fax: (805) 893-8919	Mediation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition of Mediation: “Mediation is generally defined as the intervention in a negotiation or conflict of an acceptable third party who has limited or no authoritative decision-making power, who assists the involved parties to voluntarily reach a mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. In addition to addressing substantive issues, mediation may also establish or strengthen relationships of trust and respect between parties or terminate relationships in a manner that minimizes emotional costs and psychological harm.” -Christopher W. Moore Moore, Christopher W. The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2003.