Source: (1991) Research Bulletin U.K. Home Office. 30:9-15.
The findings of Home Office research on victim-offender mediation (reparation schemes) are summarized. The main achievement of the schemes is a contribution to the ‘humanization’ of justice by catering for personal needs. The outcome of such mediation is quite unpredictable. Most times it is quite prosaic. Occasionally the right conditions occur at the right time between the right people for something quite considerable to occur. The key to mediation is flexibility, being open to the possibilities that arise in particular circumstances. The research showed no difference in the success of the outcome according to the type of offence, or even the age of the offender or the victim. These processes allow for material needs and, more importantly, the emotional needs of victims to be met.
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