There has been a lot of talk about whether mediation is an effective answer to the foreclosure crisis, but there hasn’t been a lot of information. RSI is trying to rectify that. As one step in understanding the effectiveness of these programs, RSI has pulled together all the publicly available statistics for foreclosure mediation programs in the US in Foreclosure Dispute Resolution by the Numbers. This document visually presents the available data for each program individually and comparatively across all programs. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Program Evaluation’ Category
Foreclosure Mediation by the Numbers
Jennifer Shack, October 5th, 2012Using Foreclosure Settlement Funds for Effective Mortgage Dispute Resolution
Just Court ADR, May 21st, 2012The settlement was huge. Five major banks signed an agreement with 49 Attorneys General after the AGs instigated an investigation into the foreclosure crisis and the banks’ involvement in it. The result: an unprecedented $25 billion is flowing into states over the next three years to repair the damage the foreclosure crisis has caused to infrastructure, lending and homes. The settlement agreement earmarks $2.66 billion of this money for foreclosure prevention efforts, which could include increased housing counseling availability and more robust dispute resolution programs.
So where is the money going? (more…)
Make the Most of Your Data
Jennifer Shack, May 11th, 2012If you’re wondering whether the mediation participant survey forms you’re using for your program is asking the right questions, or if you want to improve reports about your program, join me in Part II of my webinar, “Making the Most of Your Data.” I’ll be talking about creating good post-mediation survey forms, with lots of examples and what you can and cannot say about your data. I’ll also give some tips about writing reports so that they’ll be read.
The hour-long webinar is being presented by the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) on May 17 at 3:30 Eastern. It’s free for NAFCM members and only $20 for non-members. Click here to register.
Part 3 of 3: Foreclosure Mediation Best Practices
Just Court ADR, March 14th, 2012MEDIATION SESSION ELEMENTS
Ensure Mediators are Well-Trained
Some programs, fearing they will not be able to attract people to mediate, lower the requirements for training mediators. Instead of the normal 40 hour mediation training, they may require only 12 hours of training with an additional training in foreclosure law, or only require that the mediator be an attorney. This lack of training jeopardizes the mediation process itself, as people may not have the tools after 12 hours of training to manage such a complicated discussion. Connecticut’s program boasts a high settlement rate, in part because (more…)
