Welcome to the Benton Franklin Dispute Resolution Center website!

We are delighted that you stopped by. Please browse around for information regarding conflict resolution and mediation.

The Benton Franklin Dispute Resolution Center is a community-based and court-approved mediation, dispute resolution and training services provider for Benton and Franklin counties in southeastern Washington State.

Our Mission:

The Benton Franklin Dispute Resolution Center offers mediation, facilitation and conciliation services assisting those in conflict to reach mutually acceptable agreements. We provide education and training to individuals, businesses, and organizations to enhance the skills necessary for managing and resolving conflict.

BFDRC was created in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and tax-exempt corporation, located in Kennewick, Washington. The Center provides low cost mediation, dispute resolution and training services to the people and organizations of Benton and Franklin counties. The Center is governed by a nine member Board of Directors from throughout the community. As the Superior Court designated mediation provider, we are funded through court filing fees, fees for services and contributions.

Mediation is rapidly becoming an integral part of our court system. It's purpose is to assist litigants and others in conflict to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of their issues either without using the court system, or prior to a trial. Our purpose is to provide high quality, low cost professional mediation and training services to the community.

Each of our mediators has completed a minimum of 40 hours of formal, classroom training, and a comprehensive written examination. New mediators always work under the guidance and supervision of experienced, certified mediators. In addition, those conducting family mediations have completed another 20 hours of Family Law instruction.

We successfully mediate over 150 cases per year, with more than 80% of the people involved finding a satisfactory solution to the dispute. Most cases reached settlement in only one session, and almost all in just two sessions.

Paul Shelp, Executive Director

Board of Directors:

Chuck LoPresti, Acting President

Howard Rickard, Vice President

Wes Luckey, Treasurer,

Fatima Traore, Secretary

Judy Bell Robin Emmingham John Ewalt Barbara Newell

Click here for information and registration forms for our upcoming 40-Hour Fundamentals of Mediation Training Course. Our next class will be on April 2,3,4,17,18,2010. The cost is $375.00.

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