Victim-Offender Mediation: Application With Serious Offenses Committed by Juveniles (Restorative Justice: International Perspectives, P 387-401, 1996, Burt Galaway and Joe Hudson, eds. -- See NCJ-172607)

• NCJ Number: 172628
• Author(s): C L Flaten
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research was an in-depth study of the seven serious- offense mediations that were undertaken with juvenile offenders in Anchorage, Alaska, to determine what factors contributed to their reported success. The mediations were all conducted with juveniles who were residing at McLaughlin Youth Center, a State juvenile correctional facility.

Abstract

The seven mediations were conducted with juveniles who had been convicted of murder, attempted murder, and burglary. Three issues were explored in the research. First, the study considered whether the victim, offender, and mediator viewed the mediation as successful. Second, it examined what variables contributed to the success of the mediation; and third, it identified the variables that contributed to the lack of success of a mediation. The mediations were all co-facilitated by three mediators, with one assuming the lead role. The participants reported that the mediation was successful in terms of meeting the goals of reconciliation, accountability, and closure. Careful preparation of participants and a time lag of approximately 1 year between offense/victimization and the mediation contributed to the mediation's success. These mediations resulted in an exchange of information, expression of emotions, and an increased understanding, rather than plans for restitution. 2 references