LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Community Mediation Center (CCCMC), a program through the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), is dedicated to cultivating peace through dialogue by providing a neutral space for conflict resolution and community collaboration.
During the County Commissioners meeting on March 3, 2025, Julie Walton, director of the Charles County Community Mediation Center, emphasized the center’s commitment to engaging underserved communities.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to get more deeply into the community,” Walton said. “We need to get more involved in our underserved communities—I want them to be aware that we’re here for them.”
CCCMC offers its services free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
“We’re a free service, and we don’t care about anyone’s financial situation,” Walton said. “When you come to our center, you’re going to receive services at no cost. We want to make sure everybody in the county knows we’re here for them. This is their center.”
Services Offered
CCCMC provides various services to meet the needs of the Charles County community, including:
- Mediation
- Pretrial mediation
- Community conferencing
- Community dialogue circles
- Conflict management workshops
- Conflict coaching
All services are voluntary, confidential, and free.
Expanding Services and Partnerships
CCCMC collaborates with various referral partners, including the Charles County District and Circuit courts, the Department of Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office, public and private schools, and several legal aid organizations. These partnerships help provide mediation services in family, interpersonal, business, and neighborhood disputes. The center also offers restorative justice services, including community dialogues and conflict circles.
What Is Community Conferencing?
Community conferencing is a facilitated process that allows schools, neighborhoods, government agencies, faith communities, organizations, and families to respond to destructive behavior constructively. It provides all participants involved in and affected by a conflict or crime with a safe and structured space to resolve the matter effectively.
Positive Impact and Community Feedback
Many described the experience as a valuable alternative to legal action, fostering open communication and mutual understanding. Participant evaluations highlight high satisfaction rates, with 98% stating that mediation was well explained and 86% recommending the process.
CCCMC aims to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Juvenile Services. Plans include launching proactive restorative justice circles for youth and enhancing elder care mediation services.
Contact
If you or someone you know could benefit from CCCMC’s services or if you’re interested in volunteering, contact them using the details below.
Mediation Center
Phone: 301-302-7415
Email: mediation@csmd.edu
With its commitment to conflict resolution and community engagement, CCCMC is a vital resource for Charles County residents seeking peaceful and collaborative solutions.
For more information on their services or to create an appointment, please visit CSM Mediation Center.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
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