NCJ Number
128979
Journal
International Journal of Conflict Management Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 357-373
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of three juvenile delinquency mediation programs in the West German judicial system is evaluated in terms of program organization and implementation. The trend-setting programs were conducted in Brunswick, Cologne, and Reutlingen.
Abstract
Results from four evaluative studies are presented for the oldest of the programs, the Brunswick mediation program. Evaluative criteria include number of delinquent acts suited to mediation, the actual amount of mediation, the practicability of mediation, and the acceptance of mediation by victims and offenders. A comparative analysis of all three programs follows with particular focus on the goals and implementation of the mediation process as well as the role of the mediator. Based on the evaluation of the Brunswick program and supported by evidence from other projects, results indicate that mediation is an effective means of conflict management of delinquent acts other than petty offenses, that recommendations of police are useful in the selection of suitable cases, and that mediators need special training beyond the standard curricula of social workers. 2 figures, 3 tables, 1 note, and 21 references (Author abstract modified)