An Update from the Center for Dispute Settlement Amid the COVID-19 Situation

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Our primary concern at the Center for Dispute Settlement amid the COVID-19 situation is the safety, health and well-being of our committed staff, volunteers and clients.

We have been in communication with our NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA); our NYS Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA); and other colleagues to evaluate the most appropriate path forward.  From these discussions we have developed a protocol that, in many ways, mirrors    the Court's response to curb the spread of the virus by limiting limits public access for non-essential services.

As a precautionary measure, effective Tuesday, March 17, the Center cancelled all planned in-person services (including mediations, trainings, and meetings).  All sessions will be rescheduled for dates on or after May 4, 2020.  During this interim period we are limiting public access to all offices, restricting in-person services and transitioning to virtual operations.

Staff continue to provide case management intake and scheduling for clients and will do this virtually via phone, email and text messaging.  Most staff are working remotely to perform these functions; others are practicing safe social distancing by working in single person office spaces.  As the virus response is fluid we will continue to explore options for use of various technology tools to meet the needs of the organization and clients.  It is our goal to continue to remain as productive as possible during this time while redefining what it means to be 'Open for Business'.

We recognize that circumstances may change and we are committed to reevaluating our protocol as appropriate.  To that extent, please feel free to contact your local county office through our website www.cdsadr.org if you have any additional questions. 

Our hope is that you and yours remain safe and in good health.

Sincerely,
Frank Liberti
President & CEO
Center for Dispute Settlemen