| dc.description.abstract | This study was conducted to provide insight into the Early Settlement Mediation Program with services the Northern Region of Oklahoma. The eight counties served by the Payne County office include: Payne, Kay, Lincoln, Noble, Creek, Osage, Logan, and Pawnee counties. In order to better serve this community, periodic checkups of this program are necessary. This study incorporates data from the Early Settlement office case files, as well as information collected from local mediators, participants in the mediation process, and local judges. These informative sources provided details pertaining to the effectiveness of this program. They also pinpointed weaknesses which exist. My hope is that the information provided and the suggestions for improvements which are offered will be reviewed by the local Early Settlement Director, and possibly incorporated into his program. I sincerely thank my thesis committee - Drs. Larry Perkins (Chair), Bob Helm, and Franz von Sauer - for guidance and support in the completion of this research. I also thank Mr. Weldon Schieffer and Kerri Strack for their willing assistance and expertise in this research. Moreover, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all my friends and family who lended support and guidance, especially to Mom and Lou, iii Chris, and Duke. Each of you made it possible for me to have the time and resources needed to complete this project. | |
