Welcome to Clay County's
Office of Dispute Resolution
Facilitating access to justice and promoting public trust
Our Mission
The Office of Dispute Resolution & Family Court Programs strives to deliver programs and services that facilitate access to justice, encourage informed decision-making, and promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system. We take pride in ensuring our programs fit the needs of Clay County, Missouri community.
How Can We Support You?
Expert Mediators
Our team of experienced mediators is dedicated to helping parties in conflict find mutually beneficial solutions through effective communication and negotiation.
Tailored Solutions
We understand that every conflict is unique. That's why we customize our programs and services to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Trusted by the Community
With years of experience serving Clay County, Missouri, we have built a strong reputation for providing reliable, professional, and compassionate dispute resolution services.
Mediation Services
Our expert mediators help parties in civil and family court reach mutually acceptable agreements through a structured and confidential process. We provide a neutral and supportive environment for effective communication and problem-solving.
Family Court Programs
We offer comprehensive programs to assist families going through legal processes related to divorce, child custody, and visitation. Our services include mediation, parenting education, and other programming to help families navigate the complexities of family court.
Community Programs
We provide free community programs to residents of Clay County, MO. These programs range from parenting groups, groups for youth, and family programming.
Upcoming Programs!
All of our programming is free to Clay County residents!
* Emotional Mayhem- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution partners with The Nurtured Path to provide this program. This class is intended for 13-17 year olds. The Emotional Mayhem program consists of two in-person classes. The course will help the teen understand their emotions and how to respond to a difficult situation effectively. Through grant funding, we are able to provide this class for free to Clay County families. *
Every 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the Month
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/AiJqnyTFLWLwXD6j8
* Boy's Leadership Council- Young men gain skills and knowledge to navigate growing up male in today’s society through the introduction of topics and experiential activities that address a myriad of relevant challenges - safely, powerfully, and within a spirit of “council” connection. The sessions are Wednesdays for 1.5 hours, held over a six-week period. *
When: Almost Every Wednesday
Where: Liberty Fire Station, 200 W Mississippi, Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to fill out the form online: https://forms.gle/gFAMHzoZq2KCsrSi9
* Bullying Prevention- Bullying remains a central concern for school-aged youth. In this session, youth will be presented with a variety of topics related to recognizing, reporting, and responding to bullying incidents. Specifically, youth will be provided with information on how to identify bullying, including warning signs, strategies on reporting bullying to adults within their buildings, and action steps when observing and/or experiencing bullying. Ultimately, students will be taught what to do, what to say, and who to tell when experiencing or observing bullying.
When: April 22nd 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Virtual
Register online: https://forms.gle/1zM2zGKPq52noTUDA
* Girls Circle- The Girls Circle model is a four-week structured support group for girls and youth who identify with female development from 11-17 years. The program integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence. It aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and use authentic voices . *
These sessions are once a week on Wednesdays for two hours held over a four week period.
(REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR JANUARY SESSION)
*Substance Use Education Class- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Eric Hansen, LMSW, LMAC, CADC with Clinical Counseling Associates. This class is intended for 13-17 year olds. The Youth Substance Use Education program consists of one in-person classes. The course will help teens identify triggers, develop healthy skill building, establish healthy relationships, impulse control, and relapse prevention. *
When: Every Second Tuesday of the Month
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/6Tnp5RKg9m1aPXBC9
* Parenting Through Tough Times- The Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution partners with The Nurtured Path to provide this program. This program consists of two in-person classes. The program will help parents understand their emotions, how to respond to a difficult situation effectively, and discuss ways to support kids. It will also provide a chance for parents to connect with other parents who may be going through similar situations. Through grant funding, we are able to provide this class for free to Clay County families. *
Every 1st & 2nd Wednesday of the Month
Where: Clay County Health Department 800 Haines, Liberty, MO 64068
Please use this link to register for classes: https://forms.gle/UJ94TBRWTU2QR9yM6
* Power Moves- Power Moves aims to empower young adults, ages 13-18, to overcome obstacles, reshape their thinking, and embark on a path towards a more promising future. Power Moves is a six (6) week program. The weekly sessions are held once a week on Mondays. This program is a collaboration between Lyrik’s Institute and the Clay County Office of Dispute Resolution. This program is provided free to Clay County residents through grant funding provided by the Division of Youth Services.*
When: July 15th- August 19th
Where: Clay County Juvenile Office, 351 E Kansas St., Liberty MO 64068.
Register online: https://forms.gle/nFQSKRGoFWMoEUah8
* Mother & Daughter Circle- We are providing another in-person session of Mother/Daughter circle! The Mother-Daughter Circle is a structured support group for mothers and their daughters, ages 11-18. The purpose of the circle is to promote a healthy and sustaining bond between mothers and daughters during the transitional years from girlhood to young womanhood. The Mother-Daughter Circle provides a safe, consistent and strengths-based approach to supporting mothers or mother-figures and daughters on their relationship journey. *
The sessions are held once a week for two hours over the course of four weeks.
April 15th- May 6th 6pm-8pm
Location: Liberty Fire Department
200 W. Mississippi, Liberty, MO 64068
Register Online: https://forms.gle/QmuhSyua1okFncvv5Community Programming!
Check back soon!
COMING SOON:
*This programming is provided free to Clay County residents through grant funding provided by the Division of Youth Services.
Upcoming Trainings!
There are no trainings scheduled at this time. Please check back!
If you are interested in learning more about our programming, please reach out to Dr. Teri Hargrave at teri.hargrave@courts.mo.gov
The Seventh Circuit Office of Dispute Resolution Services was established in 1995 to provide alternative dispute resolution services in civil proceedings. Over the years, ODRS has collaborated with a number of community-based agencies to improve services to youth and families. Since 1998, ODRS has administered a variety of grants to support the efforts of the Clay County Juvenile Office to hold offenders accountable, support victims, improve public safety, and raise youth competency. ODRS staff and a team of specially trained contract facilitators and community volunteers are available to assist the Juvenile Office at any point, from initial contact, through adjudication, to re-entry. Our programming has recently almost doubled. We are able to expand some of our services to Clay County families and individuals not involved in the justice system.
All of our programming is free to Clay County residents!
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