Victim-Offender Mediation in the Juvenile Justice System

Source: (1990) Washington, DC: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 16p.

This survey explores the use of victim-offender mediation in U.S. juvenile court systems. Data were gathered from representatives of 240 organizations known to use restitution or mediation. Mediation programs were most often governed by private or non-profit organizations, and they received referrals primarily from the court or probation/intake officials. Fewer than half had conducted a program evaluation. Final contracts usually involved monetary restitution to the victim, and in most cases it was monitored. Those working with mediation viewed it more favorably than those without such programs, but those with programs took a more negative view regarding both probation and incarceration.