This evaluation looked at victim and offender perceptions of mediation, recidivism, and restitution. To do so, the evaluator interviewed participants two weeks after mediation ended and examined court records. In the program, offenders ranged from 10 to 17 and most crimes were against property.

The study found that all offenders and 98% of victims believed the mediation was fair to themselves. All participants believed it was fair to the other party. Recidivism was noted for 21% of offenders who went through mediation. Additionally, almost $48,000 was provided in restitution in the second year of the program.

Description of Study: Looked at victim and offender perceptions of mediation as well as restitution and post-mediation recidivism.

Method: Telephone interviews were conducted two weeks after mediations conducted in 1996 and 1997.  Court records were examined for recidivism and restitution data.

Comparative: No

Sample Size: 53 offenders, unknown number of victims

Variables Examined: Fairness, recidivism rate, restitution rate

Program Variables: Voluntary program (and considered so by 83% of victims, and 74% of offenders); most crimes were against property. Offenders ranged in age from 10 to 17, with an average of 14.4 years.

Findings: Fairness: 97.9% of victims thought the mediation was fair to themselves; 100% thought it was fair to the offender. 100% of offenders thought the mediation was fair to themselves and the victim. Recidivism [defined as: a) a charge within 365 days of either mediation or interview date; b) a non-status offense; c) a non-technical charge]:  20.8% of offenders re-offended. Restitution: FY 1996 total restitution was $7,827.55; FY 1997: $47,949.63.