PROGRAM APPLICATION - NARRATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS. Please review the Narrative Questions #1-15. If there have been no changes in
your answers since the last application process, please answer “no changes.” Otherwise, if your
program’s responses have changed, please indicate those changes that have taken place.
Probate and Family Court Applications: The Probate and Family Court Department is requiring
all existing programs to completely answer all questions and is not permitting programs to answer
“no changes.” Please see Section 6(E) of the Instructions for Program Application.
In addition, responses to Questions numbered 3, 4, 6, 12, 13, 14 and 15 require a copy of your written
policies on those topics.
1. Program information:
Indicate numbers and types of cases handled for each of the past three years. As part of your
re-application process, you must provide a copy of your Dispute Resolution Program
Report for the period of July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 for each court division served. List
all types of ADR services provided. Describe in detail the services listed on the cover sheet
which your program has previously provided to a court. Describe any special expertise your
program offers based on experience or training of neutrals on your roster. To comply with
the need for foreign languages, American Sign Language or oral interpreting, list any related
fluency on the part of your neutrals. Describe the hours your program’s services are available.
2. Space:
If approved, where will you provide services? If space is not available in a courthouse, where,
specifically, would you provide services in each division? Is the space handicapped
accessible? Describe any guidelines you have for the type of space required.
3. Methodology:
Attach a copy of your written policies in accordance with Uniform Rule 7(a) for receiving
referrals, screening referrals for appropriateness, scheduling or canceling sessions,
distributing cases among neutrals on the roster, following up after sessions and ensuring that
clients are not subject to inappropriate pressure to settle.
4. Quality Control:
Describe in detail how you evaluate your programs performance and how you monitor your
neutrals. Describe any additional steps you take to ensure the quality of services you provide.
Describe your process for assembling and maintaining the roster of neutrals, including the
methods for adding and removing neutrals in accordance with Uniform Rule 7(c).
Complaints. As to any complaints received by your program, (1) Attach a copy of your
written policy for handling complaints; (2) Attach a list describing each complaint received
since your last application along with a description of the process you used for resolving the
complaint and its outcome.