Alternative dispute resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution provides a mediation service between families or individuals and the NSW Department of Family 
and Community Services. Through mediation, clients of the Department have an opportunity to put forward their point of view about a decision that has been taken and the Department has an opportunity to reflect on whether there are grounds to reconsider that decision.
Barnardos is on the preferred Panel of Providers for Alternative Dispute Resolution Services in the Orana Area - comprising Mudgee, Coolah, Rylstone, Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine and Gilgandra Shires.
The mediator ensures that each party has an opportunity to both speak and listen - with a view to seeking out common ground and a mutually agreeable solution. The service is funded on a fee-for-service basis by the Department of Community Services - but the mediation service itself is independent of the Department.
