NCJ Number
218906
Date Published
April 2007
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of an evaluation of New Zealand's family mediation pilot program, which was begun with the objectives of assisting disputing parties in developing their own solutions for their children's care, resolving disputes faster, and involving children in the decisionmaking process.
Abstract
Key informants interviewed for the evaluation viewed family mediation as a valuable addition to the range of options available to the family court. Participants in the pilot courts were able to access mediation quickly or more quickly than people had accessed comparable services in those courts prior to the family mediation pilot. Most mediations were conducted smoothly, agreements were reached in the majority of cases, and parties to mediation along with others involved reported positively on the process. An unexpectedly low number of mediation referrals were made in three of the four pilot courts, which may have been due to the complex process for gaining consent to mediation. Courts must be encouraged to view family mediation as the "default" option in case processing, and processes for gaining consent to mediation must be simplified. This may be difficult so long as family mediation exists outside of courts' case management system. The family mediation pilot was planned to operate in four family courts for 1 year from the end of March 2005. The evaluation collected data from the beginning of April 2005 until June 30, 2006. The evaluation reviewed information, training, and resource material developed for mediators, participants, and court staff. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with key informants. Evaluation forms and telephone interviews were conducted with mediation participants. Researchers conducted regular visits to the four pilot sites in order to review progress, conduct interviews, and collect data.