Although most cases are referred to HAMP by the court, all residents of Greater Hartford are welcomed to use HAMP to resolve their disputes. There are no costs for these services. Other referral sources have included community groups, social service agencies, the Hartford Police Department, and disputants themselves. Through such referrals, HAMP is able to reach disputants at an early stage of conflict, prior to the expenditure of police and court resources, and at a time when the events are more recent and the situation more susceptible to resolution.

When a case is referred to HAMP, a staff member will contact all parties involved to discussed program services and to help them decide if the conflict is suitable for mediation.