Can a mediator talk to anyone about what happens in mediation?
The mediators can talk about NOTHING that happened in the specific mediation they participated in. Mediation is a confidential process; everything said and every note taken in mediation is confidential between the mediators and the parties (and their agents). By agreement, the mediator is free to discuss the specifics of a mediation with CMC staff and with his or her co-mediator. Confidentiality is one of THE most important features of mediation. Our ethical rules require that we honor confidences. Mental health workers, attorneys, and medical health staff abide by requirements for confidentiality. Volunteer mediators do also. Parties understand that information about harm to a child, elder, or disabled person must be disclosed by law. CMC mediators receive training in how to handle such situations in a careful, safe way.
