The Ombuds Blog: Maine Association of Mediators Creates Ombuds Program

June 11, 2014

Maine Association of Mediators Creates Ombuds Program

The non-profit that provides ADR services to Maine individuals, businesses and the court system has established an Ombuds Program for issues and concerns arising out of their services. The program is outlined in a document titled, "Ombuds Process," which closely resembles a charter or terms of reference.

The Ombuds Process document defines the essential characteristics of neutrality and confidentiality. Informality is implied by reference to other informal ADR processes: mediation and facilitation. Confidentiality is assured by written contract.

The Association has appointed Matthew Caras to be the first Ombudsperson. He is a member of ACR’s Commercial Section Advisory Council and the Board of Governors of the Maine Association of Mediators. Previously, he bankruptcy practiced law with Verrill Dana LLP. Caras graduated from Bowdoin College and earned his JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law. (Maine Assn. of Mediators; Mediate Profile.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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June 11, 2014

Maine Association of Mediators Creates Ombuds Program

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