This study evaluates the results of 11 mediated dependency cases from the first two years of a pilot mediation program in two of the seven Oregon counties where the program was established. Evaluators used information provided in professional and family member questioners to evaluate perception of experience with mediation and settlement rate. Of the 11 cases studied, nine reached full agreement, one case reached partial agreement, and one did not reach agreement. A majority of professionals and family members found that mediation was somewhat or very helpful. Additionally, 60% of professionals felt that mediation reduced the amount of time they spent on the case.
Description of Study: Examination of the first two years of a pilot mediation program in two of the seven Oregon counties in which the program was established.
Method: Professionals (including attorneys, case workers, and others involved in the case) and family members who participated in mediation completed questionnaires. Results of mediated cases were examined.
Comparative: No
Sample Size: 11 mediated cases, 29 professional questionnaires, 17 family member questionnaires
Variables Examined: Professionals’ perception of their experience with mediation, settlement rate
Program Variables: Program was established in 2000. Judges nominated experienced, skilled, domestic relations mediators to take part in pilot. Mediators were trained in dependency mediation by experienced dependency mediators from established program in California. Almost all cases were referred pre-disposition.
Findings: In the 11 cases, nine reached full agreement, one partial, and one did not reach agreement.
93% of professionals said mediation was somewhat (55%) or very (38%) helpful. 88% of family members said mediation was somewhat (53%) or very (35%) helpful. 60% of professionals felt that mediation reduced the amount of time they spent on the case. 18% said it increased the amount of time they spent on the case.
Comments: The report also provides a summary of the findings from other studies. Of 2070 cases in 10 jurisdictions in 3 states, compared to 457 comparable cases not mediated, the studies found that the mediated and non-mediated agreements were similar, except that mediated agreements have more detailed visitation schedules, provided more services for children, as well as more relative placement. The studies also found settlement rates ranged from 70% to 90%. Compliance was greater for mediated agreements six months after a plan was put in place. Costs were shown to be lower in one study.