California Community Relations Service
What is the California Community Relations Service?
The California Community Relations Service is a mediation service available to local officials and community groups to help resolve and prevent:
- Racial and ethnic conflicts
- Human and civil rights violations
- Civil disorder
- Violence
The CCRS can also act as a mechanism at the state level to provide coordination, resource, and technical assistance services to existing programs. Ultimately, the CCRS hopes to foster relationships between local municipalities, law enforcement oversight boards, private non-profit associations, schools, human relations commissions, mediation centers and community-based organizations in their ongoing efforts to create a safer and less violent California.
| |
click on the image to download the brochure |
What kinds of conflicts can be referred to the CCRS?
- Police/community disputes
- School violence or bullying
- Hate crimes
- Inter-group conflicts
- Longstanding community/local government disputes
- Community concern over access to city or county services
Services offered by the CCRS:
- Intervention into community conflicts
- Mediation and facilitation of the conflict
- Assistance in drafting written agreements
- Assistance in establishing local human relations commissions
- Resource referral in the areas of civil rights, hate crimes, and community/police relations
- School Safe Passage Program, mobilizing resources that keep students safe as they travel to and from school
How does the CCRS work?
The CCRS facilitates the development of mutual understandings and agreements among units of local government, public and private organizations, and community groups who may be experiencing tension or conflict. The CCRS relies on impartial mediation practices and established conflict resolution procedures to help local leaders develop locally defined solutions to the issues that confront them.
Why would someone use the services of the CCRS?
- When there is a serious community conflict and either party believes that a CCRS mediator can help calm tensions, prevent violence, and get people talking again
- To resolve longstanding disputes where issues of public confidence, respect, and constituent responsiveness are involved
- When either or both parties believe that discrimination is a factor in their dispute
For additional information on the CCRS mission and services, see the brochure, California Community Relations Service -- A Conflict Resolution Service of the California Attorney General's Office.
Authorizing Legislation: N/A
Funding: General Fund
See also: www.safestate.org/communityconflict
