DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER
OUR SERVICES
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In partnership with St. Paul Attorney's Office ETHOS Program, DRC-trained community volunteers hold restorative conversations between individuals who have committed a misdemeanor or low/high-level felony offense, and those impacted by the crime to discuss the incident and determine restitution.
Individuals participate in “community circles of support”, creating alternative sentencing options and a restorative justice process that strengthens accountability and opens a line of communication between the offender and those harmed.
Individuals who successfully complete the program are able to keep a conviction off their record, avoid fines, and minimize contact with the justice system. Completing the process can lead to a reduction of barriers that could prevent behavior change and future success.
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If you are interested in being a Community Member for Diversion please complete and submit the volunteer intake form HERE. If interested in learning more please email Diversion- restorative@drc-mn.org or Juvenile - drcyouth@drc-mn.org.
DIVERSION PROGRAMming
Diversion Programming
DRC community volunteers also provide affordable and pro bono mediation services to the community and conduct mediations for several Ramsey County courts. DRC volunteer mediators do not provide legal advice or case evaluations. Services cover the areas of civil and family law.
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Civil law disputes | include housing, harassment, conciliation, contract, neighbor, and other general civil matters.
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Family law disputes | include asset/debt division, parenting time, custody, paternity, grandparent or third-party visitation and other general family matters.
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Training
DRC offers two trainings:
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MN Rule 114 Qualified MediatorBecome a mediator under the MN Supreme Court attending our 30-hour training focused on supporting civil & family disputes.
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Family Mediation: Once mediators have successfully completed the training above, DRC offers mediators with expanded training to support parenting and family issues such as co-parenting, guardian visitation, and financial decisions. We only support postdissolution property distribution, and parenting time matters.
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Interested in being a volunteer mediator? Please complete and submit the volunteer intake HERE. Are you need in of Community Mediation or Housing Services? Email mediation@drc-mn.org for more info!
Mediation
mediation/Housing Support
DRC will offer five virtual 6-week healing circles open to the community on a first-come, first-serve basis. Support groups are FREE and open to the public! Community Healing Circles of Support will cover topics such as anger management support,
communication and conflict management, health and wellness, etc. Each circle will enroll up to 10 participants and will meet for two hours each session using the restorative circle model.
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Upon the successful completion of the 6 weeks, participants will receive a certificate of participation, tokens of appreciation, and a small celebration that will include a meal and dessert! Attendance is mandatory with the exception of missing one session per the offered six weeks. The Circle of Support groups will continue to run throughout the year and will cater to both youth and adults.
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Interested in attending circles? Check out DRC's Event Calendar to sign up or Email roslyn@drc-mn.org for more info!
Community Healing
circles of support
Community healing circles of support
Coming Soon!
Due to the racial and civil unrest of George Floyd as well as other prolific racial crimes, Minnesota has become the birthplace of a revolution sparking the need to have courageous conversation about the traumas that we have experienced as a community.
DRC offers training, tools and interventions that allow community to become certified restorative practitioners to safely navigate difficult dialogue regarding injustices and the damaging aftermath created by these challenging situations.
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Interested in learning more?
Email roslyn@drc-mn.org for more info!
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice
Your. Story. Matters. At DRC , we believe that in order to heal forward from the traumas of life, sharing your personal story to help others who have been misrepresented or undervalued, helps bridge the gap towards a more unified, collective healing effort to repair harm.
Our trainings help ALL types of people from various lifestyles transform relationships in real time! DRC advocates for highly skilled and proficient professionals to be trained in restorative practices to continually repair harm in response to various behaviors and conflicts that impede daily performance and relationships.
Restorative work within corporate, educational, non-profit, family, or community settings is focused on learning and implementing the restorative circle process and improving communication skills for disputes. Inquire today on how your school/organization can become certified in restorative practices!
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SHifting The Narrative
Restorative Practices
DRC’s goal is to brainstorm new, creative ideas for youth by engaging them with safe and innovative programming.
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Virtual Weekly Circles of Support for Youth 14-17, 18+ |
Weekly circles for young women and males that will meet once a week, having conversations around: Connection, wellness, emotions, family struggles, “adulting”, and all things in between! DRC values the strength of youth voice, and we recognize the obstacles that hinder youth from being their best!
STARTING IN MID 2025!
**Circles of Support for College Students**
If you or someone you know attends college, this group is perfect for you! Join fellow college students to navigate anxiety, manage workload pressure, and explore uncertainties about majors. This group offers a great opportunity to connect with others who experience similar feelings!
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Interested in Circles of Support?
Email drcyouth@drc-mn.org for more info!
Youth development
Youth
Development
Multilingual &
Multicultural Services
DRC is dedicated to making sure that its services are easily accessible to Minnesotans of all backgrounds, including those who do not speak English as their first language.
