NCJ Number
101322
Date Published
1985
Length
89 pages
Annotation
Victim-offender mediation is examined in terms of its origins, its basic elements, replication issues and efforts, research findings, and implications for the future.
Abstract
Study data came mainly from the materials and research of the National Victim Offender Reconciliation Resource Center of the PACT Institute of Justice in Valparaiso, Ind. Programs involving restitution and victim-offender meetings started in the United States in the early 1970's. However, the pioneering program in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1974 was the first program to focus mainly on reconciliation and interpersonal conflict resolution. Central to victim-offender reconciliation is the opportunity provided victims and offenders to confront each other in the presence of a trained mediator. Victims express feelings and receive answers to questions. Offenders are held personally accountable and take responsibility for repairing some of the damage their behavior has caused. Currently more than 50 programs are operating or being developed. Setting goals, generating community support, funding, determining the target populations, designing the program, and managing information are the main issues needing attention during efforts to establish a program. Research to date has indicated that both victims and offenders have positive views of victim-offender reconciliation. Recommended modifications in these programs, 15 references, appendixes presenting program addresses, forms, and a report on followup meetings.