WHAT WE DO

We are a creative alternative to court prosecution that works to build stronger communities.
We mediate/arbitrate conflicts and disputes in a safe, neutral place.

CaCDS is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to reduce community disorder and individual conflict arising from minor misdemeanor crimes, civil complaints and civil suits.  We make a positive impact on the justice system by relieving the system of the types of cases it was not designed to handle and by helping to reduce the excessive workload that strains justice systems resources.  CaCDS also performs direct services and general education about conflict throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

The mission of CaCDS is to promote peaceful communities by providing innovative, affordable alternatives to court for minor misdemeanors as well as promote conflict resolution through mediation and/or arbitration. In San Francisco, CaCDS provides:

1. Conciliation to resolve simple disputes.
2. Mediation to help people resolve disputes themselves.
3. Arbitration to give people a binding resolution.
4. Meditation/Arbitration to give individuals and businesses the benefits of both mediation and arbitration.
5. Community Courts in nine districts of San Francisco. Neighborhood based mini-courts staffed by volunteers and designed to handle minor misdemeanor offenses, emphasizing Restorative Justice.
6. Peer Court and Youth Accountability Board is a youth leadership program, a community empowerment program and a juvenile justice alternative program all rolled into one.