The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has earned a 2019 Achievement Award in Information Technology from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for our Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) program.
The ODR program has streamlined the mediation process for L.A. County residents, providing 24/7 access to check their case status, message their mediator, and upload supporting documents through our online portal.
Mediation is an effective alternative to court, saving you time and money. Through our video mediation feature, residents can take advantage of real-time chat mediation, back-and-forth bidding mediation, and portal messaging.
Since implementing ODR, DCBA’s mediation requests have increased 3,000 percent, with three out of every four cases using ODR to find a resolution.
“Our department prides itself on innovation and serving consumers and business owners in new, forward-thinking ways,” said Joseph M. Nicchitta, Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “Our Online Dispute Resolution Program is a perfect example of how government can adapt its methods to meet the needs of our online-centric world. We are proud of our mediation team and honored to accept this award.”
DCBA is the only government agency in Southern California that provides free online dispute resolution.
If you are interested in joining DCBA as a volunteer mediator, we conduct training sessions twice a year. The 30-hour workshop on basic mediation skills is free for people who promise to volunteer at least 150 hours with DCBA’s mediation team. Contact volunteer@dcba.lacounty.gov for more information.
To learn more about our mediation services, call (800) 593-8222 or click here.
