After meeting with Tony and Diana, the mediator, Ava, was ready to begin a conflict resolution process. However, because the conflict in the neighborhood had escalated quickly, she was concerned about Tony and Diana's willingness and ability to be in the same room together while remaining calm. Ava became more concerned about this when she heard that, after their meeting, Tony's house was vandalized and that Tony suspects some neighborhood kids were responsible.

Ava phoned Tony and Diana individually to ask if they still wanted assistance and if they felt they could meet together effectively. "If you want help but don't feel safe being in the same room together, I can meet with each of you separately and carry messages back and forth to try and improve communication between you," she offered.

 Which of the following resolution processes is Ava suggesting?

a) Restorative justice

 

 

b) Collaborative law

 

 

c) Conciliation

 

 

d) Arbitration

As the conflict over the playground/parking lot continued, tensions in the neighborhood became stronger. Neighbors argued loudly in the street with each other, people accused those on the "other side" of harassment or insensitivity, and some of the older residents accused neighborhood children of vandalism.

Marcus, the neighborhood improvement group president, continued talking with Michelle, a case worker at the local dispute resolution center, to see if anything could be done. He told her about the current neighborhood situation. Michelle said, "Well, it certainly seems that the situation has gotten very intense. Usually it's best to deal with a conflict earlier, but sometimes things have to get worse before people will try to make them better."

Marcus said, "I thought this situation just came out of nowhere! How could it have been dealt with earlier?" Michelle described the stages of conflict, using the information Marcus gave her.

Based on Marcus' description, the neighborhood conflict has reached the crisis stage. Select the true statement about the crisis stage.

 

a) Crisis is the most difficult stage at which to resolve a conflict because the conflict has escalated.

 

 

b) During the crisis stage, parties can still communicate effectively.

 

 

c) Crisis is the easiest stage at which to resolve a conflict because all the issues are out in the open.

 

 

d) Crisis is the most difficult stage at which to resolve a conflict because the conflict has escalated.