Contracts with the New York State Dispute Resolution Association
The New York State Dispute Resolution Association is a membership organization representing
Community Dispute Resolution Centers, such as Child & Family Services Center for
Resolution & Justice, and individual ADR practitioners. The Center subcontracts
with NYSDRA to provide mediation and arbitration services for several state agencies
and their consumers.
For more information about NYSDR, please visit their website at
www.nysdra.org.
Lemon Law Arbitration
This program provides legal protection for consumers who experience chronic problems
with recently purchased new or used vehicles, wheelchairs and motorcycles. The consumer
begins by filing a claim with Attorney General. If the consumer is interested in
arbitration, the Attorney General refers the matter to NYSDRA. The Center administers
arbitration hearings for lemon law cases in Western New York counties. Arbitrators
have received special training from NYSDRA and the Center in order to hear these
cases. Lemon Law arbitration is available in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming,
Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Special Education Mediation
This program provides mediation for disputes between parents of students with disabilities
and school administration pertaining to the student’s individualized educational
plan. The Center provides special education mediation services pursuant to a contract
between the New York State Education Department and NYSDRA in Erie, Niagara, Genesee,
Orleans, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Early Intervention Mediation
This program provides parents of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities
the right to participate in mediation to resolve any dispute concerning early intervention
services provided by the Department of Health. The Department of Health contracts
with NYSDRA for mediator training specific to this program. NYSDRA subcontracts
with the Center to provide mediation services throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee,
Orleans, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Manufactured Homes Mediation
NYSDRA contracts with the Manufactured Homes Unit of the New York State Division
of Housing and Community Renewal to provide mediation through the Center in disputes
among park owners and tenants. Services available in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans,
Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Agricultural Mediation
This USDA-certified agricultural mediation program assists in resolving disputes
involving farm and housing loans, wetland determinations, conservation compliance,
pesticide use and other agricultural issues. NYSDRA manages central intake of referrals,
case management and mediation coordination is handled by the Center for Erie, Niagara,
Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Vocational Rehabilitation Mediation
This program provides mediation for disputes between administrators of the VESID
program and applicants or other individuals who seek vocational rehabilitation services.
The Center administers this program for NYSDRA in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans,
Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.