The Peacemaker Program, Inc. saves taxpayers $1.2 million in 2008

Utica Daily News related: The Peacemaker Program, Inc. recently completed an analysis of its 2008 fiscal year showing the agency prevented 483 drawn out court battles, saving Oneida and Herkimer county residents nearly $2.3 million for that time period.

The Peacemaker Program, Inc. is a local non-profit agency in which nearly 500 community volunteers provide quality dispute resolution and child advocacy services. The organization served more than 2,700 people in 2008. Its mission is to offer inclusive innovative approaches to resolve conflict and achieve positive outcomes for children, families, and the community.

Family custody, visitation and support mediation helps participants generate their own solutions, and develop mutually acceptable parenting plans with the help of a neutral mediator. In 2008, 86 families developed their own agreements saving an estimate $1,075,000.

Child Custody Advocates assist the Oneida and Herkimer county family courts in deciding what is best for children involved in custody and visitation disputes. Based on information provided by advocates, 181 children were served, avoiding court trials for 70 families and saving taxpayers more than an estimated $875,000.

Parent/Child Mediation helps at-risk youths and their families achieve positive outcomes, and avoid court and out-of-home placements, including pre-PINS and PINS cases. In 2008, 115 individuals explored their conflicts with the assistance of a neutral mediator, and 89% needed no further intervention from the court system saving an estimated $90,000.

Child-Centered Permanency Mediation assists families, attorneys and other social service agencies to create a plan for children in foster care. As a result, 19 court cases were resolved prior to trial in 2008, resulting in a savings of $257,000.

This information as well as The Peacemaker Program, Inc.’s 2008 Annual Report can be found online at www.thepeacemakerprogram.org. For additional information on the agency’s programs or to find out how you can become a part of the solution, call 724-1718.