Cleveland County Early Settlement Mediation leads the state of Oklahoma in overall number of mediation held, with 513 total mediations conducted in fiscal year 2015 (July 2014 to June 2015). There were 367 Small Claims, 132 family, and 12 child permanency cases mediated. The
Director Phil Johnson, Sue Tate and Commissioner Rod Cleveland
agreement rate has been at 70%. That is 7 of every 10 cases sent to mediation are resolved to both parties’ satisfaction. The national average on resolving mediated cases is around 50%. Cleveland County Oklahoma is a far outstanding leader.
“In 2006 there were 29 total mediations held in Cleveland County,” Director Phil Johnson stated, “in comparison to the record 513 mediations held in 2014 and 2015.” Oklahoma has long been recognized for being a national leader in conflict resolution with the passage of the Dispute Resolution Act in 1983. All 77 counties throughout Oklahoma are served by a regional Early Settlement program. The Central program serves over 1.1 million people and 49 judges in Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.
In 1986 the Supreme Court of Oklahoma adopted Rules and Procedures for the Dispute Resolution Act, O.S. 12§ 1801 et seq., providing guidelines for the establishment of dispute resolution centers. The purpose of the Dispute Resolution Act is “to provide all citizens of this state convenient access to dispute resolution proceedings which are fair, effective, inexpensive, and expeditious.” Early Settlement Centers operate under the authority of the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act. The Centers provide low-cost mediation services to all who wish to negotiate interpersonal matters. To initiate mediation, each party must pay a $5 processing charge as required by Oklahoma Statute, except in cases ordered through the court. Almost any issue can benefit from the Early Settlement program and it’s services. Cases resolved by mediation may involve services to individuals with disabilities (including school services to children with disabilities under IDEA), money, property and business transactions. Mediation is not a substitute for legal help and no legal advice will be given by the mediator. Participants retain their rights to due process hearings, court action or filing complaints with appropriate agencies.
Cleveland County Commissioners provide office space and authorize the reimbursement expenses for the director and staff. But most of the credit goes to the vast number of talented volunteer staff and law interns from the University of Oklahoma Law School.
Commissioner Rod Cleveland, County Clerk Tammy Belinson, Former Lt Gov. Jari Askins and Commissioner Harold Harlason