Since the parties reach a mutually acceptable solution, they can protect and preserve ongoing relationships. The parties themselves control time and place. Resolution can occur very quickly.
Mediation empowers the disputants themselves.
By using a collaborative approach, a skilled mediator respects the conflicting parties' abilities to creatively resolve their differences, while helping them clarify their positions and meet their needs. Disputes between parents and school districts regarding placement, coding, transportation, related services, independent evaluations and classroom aides are all proper subjects for mediation. Any parent or school district can turn to mediation when an impartial, third party is needed to help bring about resolution of conflict. Although they want a private placement, they would settle for an in-house placement if the district would pay for a tutor. After the last team meeting Jane's parents came away feeling they have no choice but to go to a due process hearing.