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The Community Support Program encourages people to
resolve their disputes constructively in ways that empower
individuals to repair relationships and build community.
Using conciliation, mediation, or other alternative dispute
resolution strategies, the Community Support Program strives
to assist people in creating their own solutions to the
conflicts they face.
The Community Support Program engages other stakeholders (community-based providers and advocates) in collaboratively addressing neighborhood concerns. Additional, the program refers individuals and receives referrals from these groups. Types of Cases:
This program is appropriate for conflicts and disputes that are non-violent and non-criminal. Contact Brooke Hadwen at the Burlington Police Department at 540-2393 or bhadwen@ci.burlington.vt.us. Ways of handling the conflict that make things worse or that have no effect:
Ways of handling conflicts that make it better:
Steps to take when you have a conflict with a neighbor:Before you call the police, talk to your neighbor. Often neighbors are unaware of the problem (for example their dog barks when they are not home) or they may not realize the activity bothers someone else. If the issue continues, bring it up again. Try to work together to come up with solutions that will work for both parties. Talk to others to find out if they are also affected by the disturbance. The more people who are willing to address the issue the faster it will be resolved. If you both live in rental units, remind them of the lease agreement or property rules if there are any. This will give them a chance to respond before the landlord becomes involved. If there is a local ordinance that the neighbor is violating, get a copy and give it to the neighbor along with a letter asking them to follow the ordinance. If you get no response from the neighbor then it is appropriate to call the authorities. |
Page last updated July 06, 2009
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