Who Is Introducing Mediation in Poland and Why? (From Juvenile Offender-Victim Mediation, P 95-108, 1999, Beata Czarnecka-Dzialuk and Dobrochna Wojcik, eds. -- See NCJ-198129)

• NCJ Number: 198135
• Author(s): Janina Waluk
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Oficyna Naukowa
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description; Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: Poland

Annotation

This paper discusses the beginnings of mediation in Poland, key actions taken by the Committee for Introducing Mediation in Poland, and the rationale for introducing mediation in Poland; the paper concludes with the identification of two factors the author believes are required for the successful introduction of mediation in that country.

Abstract

The Committee for Introducing Mediation in Poland was officially appointed in December 1995 as an autonomous body acting within the framework of the Penitentiary Association Patronat, which is an independent non-governmental organization. The Mediation Committee is responsible for drafting laws, proposals, and guidelines for introducing mediation into the existing system of justice as a means of addressing criminal cases brought against juvenile and adult offenders. The Committee is also continuing an experimental victim-offender mediation program that involves juvenile offenders in selected family court jurisdictions (training, information materials, mediation centers, ongoing studies and evaluation, etc.). In January 1995, the first international (German-Austrian-Polish) conference on the theory and practice of victim-offender reconciliation was held. The conference's outcome was a book entitled "The Theory and Practice of Victim-Offender Reconciliation." This book contains all of the conference presentations and a detailed account of the discussions. September 1995 marked the completion of preparatory work on the Experimental Program of Mediation Between Juvenile Offenders and Their Victims. The Ministry of Justice not only accepted the Experimental Mediation program, but also recommended it for family courts and pledged to support similar initiatives. This paper describes the mediator training provided in Poland, which was begun in 1995. Mediation has been undertaken in Poland because it can help reduce recidivism, provide benefits for both victims and offenders, and reduce court caseloads. The author advocates a legislative framework to allow for the introduction of mediation in Poland in juvenile cases and the recruitment of persons for mediators who understand the pioneering benefits of such programs and are committed to their achievement.