Beginning Dec. 3, the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution will provide services from its new offices at 738 Broadway, Suite 400, in Tacoma, according to a statement released yesterday.
PCCDR was founded in response to community and court initiative to provide affordable mediation services in Pierce County. The Center was incorporated in 1994. Dispute resolution centers aim to provide timely and affordable access to justice for citizens. In 2007, the Washington State Legislature appropriated funds to increase the capacity of the 19 dispute resolution centers throughout the state. PCCDR’s share of the funding will be $24,767 annually for two years, which allows the center staff to move into a larger office to meet the increasing demand for services.
Court filing fees also fund the center, which provides volunteers to mediate at District Court and small claims court. For nominal fees, volunteers offer mediation and settlement conferences at thecCenter. PCCDR has served more than 2,310 people in 2007.