NCJ Number
146541
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 304-321
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article presents the methodology and results of an evaluation of New Zealand's Family Group Conferences (FGC's), which involves a meeting between the crime victim, the juvenile offender, the offender's family, and a police officer to decide on an appropriate response to the offense.
Abstract
The aims of the FGC's are to increase victims' satisfaction with case processing and outcomes, to enhance the prospects of reconciliation between offenders and victims, and to provide a more effective means of restitution and reparation. The evaluation interviewed 117 victims and seven victims' representatives. The researchers also observed the FGC's in which the sample of victims participated. Approximately half the victims were satisfied with the FGC's; they received apologies from offenders, were given restitution or reparation, and generally felt good about case resolution. The other half of the victims were not satisfied with the FGC's. This was due in part to unrealistic expectations about outcomes. This could be remedied through better briefing of and more support for victims. Victims need time to consider the possible consequences of meeting offenders and their families. This is particularly important for victims of violence. 19 notes and 12 references