Conflict happens.
We help people move forward.
Mediation, conflict resolution and community peacebuilding for Ventura County.
Our Mission, Our Purpose
We empower community members to resolve conflict for a just and peaceful outcome. In doing so, we help create a more empathetic community that values relationships, respects differences, and accords dignity to all.
Mediation
Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process. It provides parties an informal opportunity to resolve or learn how to effectively manage their disputes. Mediations are scheduled at a time that is favorable for both parties. The cost of mediation can range depending on the scope of the conflict. A neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps facilitate the conversation and assists the parties in coming to an agreement.
Mediation works because it…
-
Encourages parties to collaborate and find common ground.
-
Focuses on the underlying interests of the parties.
-
Focuses on both the future and the past.
-
Equalizes power differentials.
-
Facilitates creative solutions and agreements acceptable by all parties.
-
Places the responsibility on the parties to decide the outcome
Small Claims Court Mediation
As a party involved in a litigated dispute at the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, it is important that you are aware of the option to use mediation to help you resolve your case. Ventura County Superior Courts encourage litigants to use our mediators as an alternative to resolve their differences.
Mediation is an informal, flexible process that enables each party to identify and pursue their own interests. With the assistance of a qualified mediator, parties keep themselves at the center of the decision-making process and have power over the outcome. It is a collaborative effort, searching out a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
Additional benefits of mediation include:
-
It’s Fast. When the parties agree, mediation can often be scheduled within a few days.
-
It’s Private. Everything disclosed during mediation is confidential unless the parties agree otherwise. Parties cannot use mediation for fact-finding, which allows for good-faith discussions.
-
It’s Fair. The mediator does not take sides or tell you what to do. If a settlement offer seems unfair, you can negotiate or just say “no.”
-
It’s Smart. Mediation works. It saves time and money and it is usually a lot less stressful.
Mediation gives you the power to decide the outcome of your case. And if your mediation doesn’t end in agreement, you can still take the case to court for a judge to decide.
If you have a small claim court case and would like to use mediation, please open a case with our office. Mediators are also available on site at the courthouse during the following times:
-
Simi Valley East County Court House, Room S1 – Mondays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
-
Oxnard Juvenile Justice Complex/Probate Court*, Room J5 – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Conciliation
Conciliation is voluntary, private and the most informal method used to resolve disputes. Sometimes used as a starting point, the process involves a neutral third party who talks with you and the other party at separate times to explore possible solutions. Often this can be accomplished over the telephone. We do charge for this service. Please contact our office for fee amounts.
Community Programs
At CRI, we believe strong communities are built through dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. Our community programs create safe and supportive spaces for people to address conflict and strengthen relationships. In schools, we support Peer Mediation programs that empower students to resolve disputes peacefully, build leadership skills, and model positive problem-solving. For the wider community, we offer Facilitated Conversations—structured dialogues guided by trained mediators to help groups work through sensitive issues, restore trust, and find common ground. We also host Community Circles, which bring people together to share stories, build connections, and practice restorative approaches that strengthen neighborhoods, schools, and organizations.
Mediator Training
At CRI, we believe everyone can learn to navigate conflict with skill, compassion, and confidence. Our 31-hour Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills Training offers a supportive, hands-on learning experience for anyone interested in building stronger communication and problem-solving skills—at home, at work, or in the community.
This training meets the standards of California’s Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) and combines 10 hours of online learning with 21 hours of in-person instruction. Participants explore what it means to listen deeply, reframe conflict, and guide others toward understanding and resolution through interactive activities, practice sessions, and real-world examples.
Graduates of the program are qualified to mediate in CRI’s Small Claims Court Mediation Program, where they can continue to learn and serve the Ventura County community. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, enhance your professional skills, or simply grow as a communicator, this training is a meaningful step toward creating more peace in everyday life.
Serving Ventura County since 1990
Neutral | Confidential | Community Based
1500+
People Served Annually
300+
Court Mediations Completed
Annually
100+
Students and Community Members Certified as Mediators