The Dispute Resolution Program Act of 1986 (Business and Professional Code Sections 465, et seq.) provided for the establishment and funding, at County option, of local dispute resolution services as an alternative to formal court proceedings. The Act authorized participating counties to increase Superior, Municipal and Justice Courts filing fees from one to three dollars for the purpose of funding local dispute resolution programs.   
  
On January 1, 1987, the Board approved the County’s participation in the program and authorized a three dollar increase in court filing fees. The Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee was created by the Board to consider implementation strategies and funding guidelines appropriate for Contra Costa County.   
  
From 1989 through 1998, the Advisory Committee solicited proposals for funding under the Dispute Resolution Programs Act of 1986. The purpose of the funding is to encourage the establishment and use of local dispute resolution services as an alternative to formal Court proceedings. The program operates under the provisions of the Dispute Resolution Programs Act.   
  
In 1998, the State updated the California Dispute Resolution Program Act and authorized counties to allocate up to $8.00 from filing fees to generate new revenues for these local programs. Effective January 1, 1999, the dispute resolution portion of the civil filing fee in Contra Costa County increased from $3.00 to $8.00. The increase was approved by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to a request by the Superior Court.   
  
The following is a brief description of the services to be provided by the Contractor:   
  
Congress of Neutrals - $150,000  
  
General Dispute Resolution – Victim Offender Reconciliation Project (VORP) Program - will continue to provide a community-based restorative justice program for juvenile offenders. The Congress will provide mediation between certain non-chronic, non-violent juvenile offenders and their victims to obtain civil restitution in proceedings under the Welfare and Institutions Code. ($40,000)   
  
Small Claims/Civil Harassment/Unlawful Detainer Mediation for all branches of the Superior Court; to improve court efficiency; assist court staff and reduce court caseload. Introduce disputants to the principles of conciliation and negotiated settlement; mediations will be done at the court, prior to the court hearing and/or on the day of the court hearing. The Congress will recruit and train community volunteers, certified law students and attorneys as mediators. This project will continue the Superior Court’s high quality of Alternative Dispute Resolution and conflict management programs. ($110,000)