A process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps people involved in a dispute work together to reach an outcome acceptable to both parties. The intervention by a third neutral party is designed to facilitate the process of negotiations. It is also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution or Conflict Resolution.
Nothing is discussed outside the mediation.
Completely voluntary, both parties must agree to participate in order for a mediation to occur. Free, yes, mediation is absolutely free. This is a volunteer program facilitated through the Ombudsman Office. A process to decide guilt or innocence, the parties themselves discover the outcome. The mediators are only there to facilitate ideas that would help the parties reach a mutual agreement.