Curiosity abounds amongVOM practitioners:¥ How many programs conductf - PDF document

Curiosity abounds amongVOM practitioners
Curiosity abounds amongVOM practitioners:¥ How many programs conductface-to-face preparation with theparties?¥ Is mediation always voluntary?¥ What kinds of crimes are viewedas appropriate for VOM?It is not unusual for VOMprograms to operate with very littlesense of how their policies andpractices compare with the broaderfield of VOM. Many questions wereaddressed, and other questionsraised, by an extensive surveyconducted in the U.S. in 1996-97 bythe Center for Restorative Justice &Mediation at the University ofMinnesota, School of Social Work.This survey was made possible by agrant from the Office for Victims ofCrime, U.S. Department of Justice.Who was interviewed?Substantive phone interviews wereconducted with 116 programs fromamong the 289 programs identified.Types of programs interviewed:¥ 43% - private, community-based¥ 23% - church-based¥ 16% - probation¥ 8% - correctional facility¥ 4% - prosecuting attorneyÕs office¥ 3% - victim services¥ 2% or less - police, residential facilityWho refers cases to VOM programs?Probation officers were the mostfrequent source of referrals (29%),followed by judges (23%), prosecutors(15%), juvenile diversion (13%), policeofficers (10%), defense attorneys (7%),community members (2%), victimadvocates (1%).What kinds of cases are mediated?The three most common offensesreferred to VOM programs, in the orderof frequency, were: 1) vandalism, 2)cases referred were felonies, while67% were misdemeanors. Programsworking only with juvenileoffenders and their victimsrepresented 45% of the sample,those working only with adultoffenders, 9%, those working withboth, 46%. Mediations areconducted at various points in thejustice process: 34% diversion; 28%post-adjudication but pre-disposition; 28% post-disposition; 7%at various points; 3% prior to court.Are mediations ever conductedin cases of more severe violence?Programs responded affirmatively asfollows:¥ 33% - assault with bodily injury¥ 18% - assault with deadly weapon¥ 11% - negligent homicideNational Survey of Victim OffenderMediation Programs in the US(Editors note: This article provides an overview ofThe National Survey Of Victim Offender MediationPrograms in The United States, conducted in 1996-1997 by the Center for Restorative Justice andMediation, University of Minnesota, School of SocialWork. The National Survey was designed to determinethe number of victim offender mediation programsdeveloping in communities throughout the UnitedStates. Following are some of the results of the surveyand important themes that emerged from interviewingprogram staff.)Overview of survey results reveals both diversity andconnection among programs across the United Statesaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

aaaaaMember Connections2World Connectio
aaaaaMember Connections2World Connections6Training Connections8FeaturNational Survey1Meaningful?5aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaLorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Co-ChairMCC Office on Crime and Justice2501 Allentown RoadQuakertown, PA 18951215/536-2733; fax 215/536-2783email: amstutz@fast.netJan BellardMediation Network of North CarolinaP.O. Box 705, Brevard, NC 28712828/877-3728; fax 828/877-5060email: janbellard@citcom.netGeorge Dash87 Mackenzie WayRegina, Saskatchewan S495M8306/693-0780; fax 306/787-0088email: gdash@justice.gov.sk.caDave DoerflerTexas Dept. of Criminal JusticeVictim Services Div.P.O. Box 13401, Capitol StationAustin, TX 78711fax 512/452-0825Kathy EltonMediation Programs CoordinatorAdministration Offices of the CourtP.O. Box 140241Salt Lake City, UT 84114-0241email: kathye@email.utcourts.govKathy Hall, SecretaryIowa Mediation Service1025 Ashworth Road, Suite 202West Des Moines, IA 50265515/223-2318; fax 515/223-2321Bruce Kittle, Co-ChairThe Restorative Justice ProjectUniversity of Wisconsin Law SchoolMadison, WI 53706608/262-4013; fax 608/263-3380email: bakittle@facstaff.wisc.edu2072 Mistletoe CourtTallahassee, FL 32311email: Peaceworks@planetdirect.comP.O. Box 335207/829-5775; fax 207/829-6894email: dluther@igc.orgCommunity Justice Prog.,Washington Co. Court Serv.P.O. Box 6Stillwater, MN 55082-0006651/430-6948; fax 651/430-6947email: mcleod@co.washington.mn.usBeverly MooreRestorative Justice ProgramCommunity Mediation Services44 W Broadway, Suite 202Eugene, OR 97401541/344-5366; fax 541/687-8392email: mediate@efn.orgVORP Information and Resource Center19813 N.E. 13th StreetCamas, WA 98607360/260-1551; fax 360/260-1563email: martyprice@vorp.comAnn Warner RobertsCenter for Restorative Justice & MediationUniversity of MinnesotaDakota Co. Community Corrections1406 Palace AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55105Tele/fax: 651/699-4532annwarnerroberts@compuserve.comBarbara SchmidtKINnections ProgramKansas ChildrenÕs Service League1365 N. CusterWichita, KS 67203316/942-4261; fax 316/943-9995email: bschmidt@kcsl.orgSue Wiese, TreasurerMediation Services - Franciscan SkempLaCrosse County Administration Center400 N. 4th St., Suite B01LaCrosse, WI 54601608/784-7322; fax 608/784-5910email: wiese.susan@mayo.eduAdministratorBill Preston, VOMA Administrator4624 Van Kleeck DriveNew Smyrna Beach, FL 32169904/424-1591; fax 904/423-8099 Board of DirectorsVOMA is pleased to announcethe new and improved VOMAConnections. As we enter the lastyear of this century and prepare forthe next, our newsletter is changing.Our name, VOMA Connections,newsletter - to connect you, ourmembers, and others to the latest inthe field of victim offender mediationand conferencing, nationally andinternationally.In addition to our new n

ame,you will notice a whole new designan
ame,you will notice a whole new designand graphics, thanks to Mark Dixon,who comes to us from Eugene,Oregon with many years ofprofessional experience in magazinelay-out.The new VOMA Connectionswill include a variety of information- articles, interviews, case studies, aresearch and resource section,program information, photos, andmore. In addition, look for our regularsections (world connections,member connections, trainingconnections, etc.) for lots ofinteresting news.A particularly exciting additionto the newsletter is upcoming inResearch and Resource highlighting criticalresearch in a brief and easy to readformat along with the latest in videos,essential resources. Watch for thisvaluable contribution by Dr. MarkUmbreit and colleagues at the Centerfor Restorative Justice and Mediation,University of Minnesota.The next issue of VOMAConnections will feature an in-depthlook at the nuts and bolts offundraising and development. If youwould like to contribute ideas formaximizing funding and resources,please submit your article to VOMAConnections by Feb. 1, 1999.Welcome to theNew VOMAMEMBER CONNECTIONS3VOMA invites you to attend the16th Annual International TrainingInstitute and Conference,Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Thisconference promises to be betterthan ever. As in the past, theConference will provide twoprograms:The Training Institute fromTuesday, September 14th throughThursday, September 16th, willinclude VOM skills training atbeginning, intermediate andadvanced levels, groupconferencing, circle process andsentencing and much much more.The Annual Conference onFriday, September 15th and Saturday,September 16th will featureworkshops on innovative practicesin restorative justice and willaddress a multitude of issues relatingto victims, community mobilization,cross-cultural processes, researchand evaluation, and transformingIf you have special topics youwould like to see covered or haveother ideas on how we can worktogether to make this the bestconference ever, please feel free tocontact Bruce Kittle (listed below). Inaddition to useful and excitingworkshops, seminars and trainingcourses, VOMA wants to improve thequality and quantity of food service andother creature comforts in response toyour suggestions.Proposals for workshops, seminarsand training courses should include: 1)name, address, phone, e-mail and resumeof presenters, 2) description of topicand presentation, 3) short bio ofpresenters, 4) time required forpresentation, and 5) audio visual needs.proposals is December 31, 1998.Receipt of proposals will be confirmedby written notice within two weeks ofthe date they are received. Presenterswill be informed by March 15, 1999 iftheir proposal has been selected.Honorariums are offered

.Please mail written proposals fortraini
.Please mail written proposals fortraining courses, 1- hour workshops andplenary sessions to:Bruce Kittle,Restorative Justice ProjectUniversity of Wisconsin Law School,Madison, WI 53706tel: 608-262-4013, fax: 608-263-3380e-mail: bakittle@facstaff.wisc.eduRequest for Proposals forthe 16th Annual VOMAHarrisburg, PennsylvaniaVOMA Connections is published bythe International Victim OffenderMediation Association. VOMAÕs mission isto provide inspiration, leadership andinformation-sharing in the developmentand support of various models of justicewhich create opportunities for dialoguebetween victims, offenders and theircommunities for the purpose of healingand restoration.Submissions of articles, literaturereviews, case studies, program news, andother interesting info is welcome forreview. Send submissions to either:Beverly MooreRestorative Justice ProgramCommunity Mediation Services44 West Broadway, Suite 202Eugene, OR 97401541/344-5366; fax 541/687-8392email: mediate@efn.orgCenter for Restorative Justice andUniversity of MinnesotaDakota County Community Correctons1406 Palace AvenueSt. Paul MN 55105tel/fax: 651/699/4532email: annwarnerroberts@compuserve.comVictim Offender4624 Van Kleeck DriveNew Smyrna Beach, FL 32169tel: 904/424-1591fax: 904/423-8099email: voma@voma.orgon-line @ www.voma.orgVOMA ConnectionsLast September, the sitecommittee for the 15th AnnualVOMA Conference in Tucson,Arizona were true to their word...the weather and the arrangementswere wonderful.We appreciate the incredibleamount of time and hard work theyput into hosting us and look forwardto having them come and relax withus in Harrisburg, PA, in 1999 for the16th Annual Conference.At the VOMA Board of Directorsmeeting held at the Conference, wewelcomed new members KathyElton from Utah who will serve onthe Electronic CommunicationsCommittee, Mike Llado from Floridawho will serve on the FundraisingCommittee, Jan Bellard from NorthCarolina who will serve on thePublic Relations Committee, andGeorge Dash from Saskatchewan(who unfortunately was unable tojoin us in Arizona) who will serveon the Membership Committee.The new members joinedongoing board members AnneWarner Roberts (Fundraising andPublications Committee), MartyPrice (Electronics CommitteeCarolyn McLeod (Publications), Kathy Hall (SecretarySue Wiese (Treasurer), BarbaraSchmidt (Conference Program), Beverly MoorePublications Committee), DavidDoerfler (Membership CommitteeDoris Luther (Conference Program and), Lorraine Stutzman) and Bruce Kittle (and Program CommitteeWe are continuing the process ofnaming Advisory Board members andwelcome suggestions for people in thefield that can provide ongoing input aswe seek to look at where VOMA isheaded in the future

. Those alreadyagreeing to serve on the
. Those alreadyagreeing to serve on the Advisory Boardare Kay Pranis, Minnesota; DebbieWatters, Northern Ireland; HowardZehr, Virginia; Wayne Northey, BritishColumbia and Mark Umbreit,During the Board meeting, we spenttime looking at fundraising issues tofurther the mission and vision of VOMA,as well as reviewing VOMA memberbenefits. We all look forward toproviding members with moreinformation via the Internet as well asadding a web page or link for VOMAmembers.A new VOMA logo was approved,and we will soon have a new brochureto promote VOMA as a thrivingorganization within the field of victimoffender mediation.Last but not least, we are excited toannounce that the 16th AnnualConference will be in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania in September. We lookforward to seeing you there.Executive Committee ReportThis issue of VOMAConnections and past VOMAnewsletters, as well asconference schedules, linksto related sites, and up-to-date information can befound on VOMAÕs web site atwww.voma.org.VOMA members wishingsend their e-mail address to:duanerh@frMembers who listed theire-mail address at the annualVOMA conference in Tucsonand who have not received aconfirming e-mail shouldlikewise e-mail to:duanerh@frOthers who want e-mailupdates of the VOMA webpage (www.voma.org)should go to that page andsubscribe through thenetminder URL provided.Victim offender mediationcontinues to impress practitionersand participants alike with itspotential to touch, to heal, to bringabout positive change. Many in thefield have pondered thistransformative dimension, askingthemselves: ÒWhat are theingredients that produce suchimpactful results?ÓTelling Stories: The ÒpersonalÓ ispowerful - genuine stories ofpeopleÕs experience and personalresponses may evoke acceptance,empathy, and acknowledgement,insight and learning about self andother. The telling and hearing ofthese stories can be empowering,healing, and transformative for bothstoryteller and listener, as theyengage in direct dialogue withoutundue intervention by the mediator.: Appropriate structure (eg.neutral third party facilitation,procedural guidelines, relaxedhelp to neutralize status and powerand to promote mutuality, thusencouraging a safe environmentconducive to dialogue, even inemotionally intense situations.: Providing the partieswith the opportunity to ÒownÓ theiractions and feelings, express theirwants and needs, and then act on theirown behalf facilitates a sense ofpersonal power and responsibility.Presenting choices to the partieswhenever possible (e.g., when andcapacity to feel empowered by theprocess. Human beings possessuntapped inner resources that withencouragement may be elicited andutilized to address issues and resolveproblems of i

mportance to them. Discoveringand commu
mportance to them. Discoveringand communicating underlyinginformation, needs, and interests canpromote a collaborative spirit andencourage more satisfying results.Differences and conflicts can elicitcreativity and a sense of possibilities: Well-written agreements(e.g., clear, concrete, achievable/durable, accurate, personalized,reflective of the partiesÕ interests andneeds) guide and focus behavior,thereby generating and enhancingresults.Preparation is essential.Preparation with each party increasesthe potential effectiveness of themediation session, by providinginformation, validating the partiesÕexperiences and feelings, engaging indialogue about possible risks andbenefits of mediation, supportingestablishing rapport and trust. Self-awareness, inner quieting, and personalWhat Makes Mediation Meaningfulfor Participants?A Look at Underlying Principles ofVictim Offender Mediationfocus enhance the preparedness ofthe mediator to facilitate thedialogue between the parties.MediatorÕs Style: The mediatorÕspresence (attitude, demeanor, focus,integrity, rapport with the parties)plays an important role in creatinga safe space where genuineconversation between the partiesmay occur. Flexibility on the partof the mediator will allow themediation process to be shaped bythe needs of the parties. The use ofspecific techniques and strategies bythe mediator must serve the largergoal of creating an environment inwhich respectful dialogue canoccur. It is not necessary for themediator or the parties to haveanswers and solutions before theybegin the session. Mediators whotrust themselves, their integrity,intuition, skills, and preparedness,and also trust the process and theparticipants, pave the way formeaningful interaction.FEATURE ARTICLEGuidelines AvailableVOMA has recentlyEthical Guidelines. For aGuidelines, contact VOMA.The Victim Offender Program(VOP) at Mediation Works, aCommunity Dispute ResolutionCenter in Medford, Oregon, is aninteresting program to examine asit differs from other Victim OffenderMediation Programs.VOP is something of a hybridprogram. It combines elements oftraditional VOM models withelements of conflict resolution andcriminal thinking error training. Theprogram also differs in that thejuvenile offenders involved havealready been adjudicated, and arerequired to participate in VOP as oneof a variety of consequences thatincludes community service,restitution payments, lock up, etc.Youthful offenders are referredto the program by JuvenileDepartment probation officers. Thejuveniles must first satisfactorilycomplete a series of classes beforeparticipating in a mediation process.The classes contain the following¥how to identify and avoid usingcriminal thinking errors,

¥developing empathy for others,¥the ri
¥developing empathy for others,¥the ripple affect of the juvenilesÕcrimes,¥brainstorming positive choices,VOP Program in OregonCombines VOM and CriminalThinking Error Training¥writing a letter of apology to theThe classes consist of four, 1- hoursessions and require full participationfrom the offenders. The goal is to helpoffenders:¥ develop victim sensitivity¥ realize that they are not Òbad peopleÓbut instead have made Òpoor choicesÓ¥ make healthier choices in the future.Once the offender has completed all(which is a challenge for many), he orshe is eligible to participate in themediation process.Of course, mediation only takesplace if the victim of the crime isinterested and willing to participate.Because financial restitution has alreadybeen set by the court, the mediationsession focuses on bringing closure andhealing, and addresses other non-monetary needs.If the victim is unable or unwillingto participate, the mediation takes placebetween the offender and his or herparent(s). A mediation between theparent and child can often be just aseffective for the juvenile offender as ameeting with the crime victim. Parentsoften feel victimized by their childÕscrime and have never been able to sharethose feelings with their son ordaughter. The mediation sessionprovides an opportunity for bothparties to share their feelings andexperience of the crime in anenvironment of safety and support.Often, in these mediations betweenthe juvenile offender and his/herparents, we have seen the first stepstoward positive communication andtrue listening.Although this program is new,the results so far have beenpromising and exciting. The juvenileoffenders have learned to takeresponsibility for their actions andhave been able to express sorrowand empathy for their victims.Victims and parents have alsobeen very pleased with the resultsof the program. Many haveexpressed to us that they are moreable to move on with their lives andhave fewer questions and fearsabout the crime they experienced. Although only time will tell thelong-term impact of the program, weare pleased with the results we havewitnessed so far.For more information contact:Mediation Works33 North Central, Suite 306Medford, Oregonby Maureen Holen and Joanne LescherThe PA VOM Network wasestablished in 1997, as a result of theRestorative Justice Initiativethroughout PennsylvaniaÕs JuvenileJustice System. Founded by JaneRiese of York County and BeckGlessner of Somerset County, andsupported by the PennsylvaniaCommission on Crime &Delinquency, the network meetsquarterly at PCCD offices inHarrisburg to discuss mediationissues and program development.The purpose for thisestablishment was to connect withother restorative justice prog

ramsfor juveniles across the state and t
ramsfor juveniles across the state and tovalidate the Victim/OffenderMediation programs inPennsylvania. The networkcurrently has more than 20members who represent suchprograms as Victim/OffenderMediation and Youth Aid Panels,along with representatives of the PADept. of Corrections, PCM(Pennsylvania Council ofMediators), Juvenile Court JudgesCommission, and victim advocacyacross the state. We are also veryproud to have Lorraine Stutzman-Pennsylvania Victim/OffenderConferencing Manual with HowardZehr, as a current member of thenetwork.If you would like more informationon the PA VOM Network, please contactSean McNalley, Allegheny Co. Victim/Witness Coordinator and Editor of thePA VOM Network Newsletter at 412-VOM Network HelpsPrograms in PennsylvaniaThe Wisconsin Association ofMediators has created a Self-AssessmentTool for Mediators. It is an easy-to-useseventeen page booklet designed toguide oneÕs overall practice ofmediation and provide practicalapplication to specific cases. It assistsmediators to prepare for mediation,reflect on their strategies, and reviewtheir performance. This tool can beused independently, with a consultant,or as a guide for group discussion onhigh quality mediation. To order send$5.00 check payable to:The Wisconsin Association of MediatorsPO Box 44578Madison, WI. 53744-4578email: cow@mailbag.comMediator Self-Assessment ToolAvailable¥ 7% - sexual assault within family¥ 6% - sexual assault by stranger¥ 6% - murder¥ 3% - attempted murderIs participation in mediationvoluntary for victims and offenders?In all programs, victim involvementis always voluntary (100%). For mostprograms, it is also voluntary foroffenders (79%), while othersrequire the offender to meet thevictim, if the victim is interestedIs an admission of guilt requiredfor offenders to participate inmediation? In 65% of the programs,offenders are expected to admitguilt regarding the referred offenseprior to participation. Otherprograms do not require a formaladmission of guilt but rather anacceptance of some personalresponsibility for the crime. Anumber of interviewees indicatedthey are now accepting casesinvolving a degree of ambiguitybetween the roles of victim andoffender.How often do mediationsessions result in writtenagreements? Of the cases mediated,The Department of DisputeResolution at NSU is launching anew Ph.D. program in a distanceformat to accommodate and meetthe needs of working adults in thefields of peacemaking and conflictresolution. The development ofdistance doctoral studies is based onour residential academic programsthat attract life-long learners from allover the world who are committedto academic excellence, socialresponsibility, and informed,reflective pra

ctices.The distance Ph.D. programdevelop
ctices.The distance Ph.D. programdevelops an optimal combination ofinnovative learning models, teachingapproaches, and interactive mediaso that working adults do not haveto relocate to study for theirdoctorate. It offers studentsweeklong, limited-residentialinstitutes, on-line seminars, andThis flexible format will allow andencourage mid-career workingadults to define and shape theirintellectual and practice paths in acreative, rigorous, and structuredfashion.The 82-credit-hour programincludes courses of theoreticalfoundations, history anddevelopment of the field, researchmethods, practica, skill development,and substantive topic areas in the field.The program will admit its first groupof distance doctoral students nextsummer in preparation forcommencement of their Ph.D. studiesWhile the department is developingdistance programs for the field, it willcontinue to support and enhance itsresidential programs (i.e., GraduateCertificate, M.S., and Ph.D. Programs)that are offered on campus.vigorous metropolitan area of FortLauderdale, and is the largestindependent university in Florida. Formore curriculum and admissionsinformation about the residential anddistance graduate programs, pleaseDepartment of Dispute ResolutionSchool of Social & Systemic StudiesNova Southeastern University (NSU), 3301 CollegeAvenueFort Lauderdale, FL 33314Phone: 954-262-3000fax: 954-262-3968toll free: 800-262-7978E-Mail: CR@ssss.nova.eduOnline at www.nova.edu/ssss/DR/adr.htmlNova Southeastern UniversityAnnounces Distance DoctoralProgram in Dispute ResolutionInstitute at EasternApplications for the 1999Summer PeacebuildingInstitute at Eastern MennoniteUniversity are available. Lastyear representatives from 50countries attended theinclude Introduction toConflict Transformation,Trauma Healing andReconciliation, RestorativeJustice and Victim OffenderConferencing and many moreFor Application contact:Summer Peacebuilding InstituteEastern Mennonite University1200 Park RoadHarrisonburg, VA 22802-2462tel: 540/432-4490fax: 540/432-4449E-mail: ctprogram@emu.eduon-line: www.emu.edu/ctp/ctp.htmJustice TrainingTentative Plans for the1999 National RestorativeJustice Training Institute atthe University of Minnesotaare available. Trainingsinclude one-day, three-dayand four-day classes,including Peacemaking andSprituality: Touching the Soulof Restorative Justice;Restorative Justice in the 21stCentury: Dangers andOpportunities; and Victimsof Severe Violence Meet theOffender: A Journey towardHealing and Strength. Formore information contact:Center for Restorative JusticeSchool of Social WorkUniversity of Minnesota1985 Buford AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55108-6144E-mail: crt4rjm@che2.che.umn.eduon-line: www.che.umn.edu/ctr4rjmWhat prepar

ation is done withthe parties -- or how
ation is done withthe parties -- or how are the partiesprepared prior to the mediationsession? In 78% of the programs,separate pre-mediation sessions areheld in-person with victims andoffenders. These sessions areconducted by the mediator (80%) orintake staff (20%).What are the mediatorÕs mostimportant tasks? Programsidentified these tasks as crucial, inorder of importance:1) facilitating a dialogue betweenvictim and offender;2) making the parties feelcomfortable and safe; and3) assisting the parties innegotiating a restitution plan.How often is the co-mediationmodel used? Many programsroutinely use co-mediators (70%),others only occasionally (23%),while others use only solo mediators(7%). Reasons for the use of co-mediation included: training newmediators, quality control,teamwork, case processing anddebriefing, safety, balancing racial/ethnic/gender/age diversity,involving more communityvolunteers.Training forTrainersPractitioners withexperience in one or morerestorative justice efforts whowish to increase their capacity totrain others within and beyondtheir own jurisdiction are invitedto apply to two seminarsscheduled in 1999.The seminars, sponsored bythe Office of Juvenile Justice andDelinquency Prevention,National Institute of CorrectionsAcademy and Florida AtlanticUniversity Community JusticeInstitute will be held in Florida(March 3-12) and Colorado (June23-July 2).Registration is limited to 24participants per seminar.For application informationPhyllis Bebko at 954/762-5330Mike Dooley at1/800/995-6429, ext. 132.strong convictions about the positiveimpact mediation has on participantsand communities.¥ÒWhen they walk into the mediationsession, these are people who donÕttrusteach other or recognize anyimportance or commonality in eachother. Then an hour and a half later theywalk out recognizing theircommonality.... ItÕs a sort of soul-purging for something that hadhappened to them - they get it off theirminds and it's really a revelation forthem. They get it out and get on withtheir lives.Ó¥ ÒWhen offenders are done withprobation, the PO asks them what it isthat will most help them not re-offend.Those who have experiencedmediation often remark, Òmediation wasthe hardest thing to do but I get it now- it made me think about the victim.Ó¥ ÒJust even contacting the parties andacknowledging that theyÕve beenthrough an experience thatÕs different....They donÕt have this opportunityelsewhere in their lives to have a thirdperson assist them through arecognition process. They come outsaying, Òthis is really nice - everyoneshould have a chance to do this.Ó6) Common vision: While a range ofpractices in select areas exists amongVOM programs, the goals espoused an

d,perhaps, achieved are relativelysimila
d,perhaps, achieved are relativelysimilar, typically articulated more astransformation than settlement.7) Consensus on training:Considerable agreement existsamong programs regarding thetraining format, the importance ofrole plays, and issues for mediatorsthat need to be addressed, e.g.,maintaining neutrality, appreciatingdiversity, dealing with difficultpeople, developing comfort withthe expression of intense emotions.In addition, virtually all intervieweesindicated that advanced training isnecessary in working with cases ofsevere violence.8) Potential of follow-up: Follow-cusp of becoming an area forsubstantive and creativeenhancemnt of VOM programming,e.g., ongoing contact with victims,resourcing and referral for theparticipants, mentoring of offenders,training in jobsearch skills,supervision of communityservice.9) Common challenges: Manyprograms report concerns aboutfunding, referrals, building supportin the community and in the justicesystem, developing collegialrelationships with victim serviceHow many hours of training arerequired for mediators? The averagenumber of hours required formediator training was 31 hours, notincluding apprenticing expec-tations. Training includes an averageof 11 hours spent in role playing.1) Impact of context: Procedures,practices, program design andviability are influenced by theattitudes, structures, and resourcesof the communities in which theprograms are situated.2) Isolation: VOM programsfrequently operate in relativeisolation, geographical or otherwise,from other programs, and, as acorollary, mediators often completetheir cases having minimal contactwith other mediators or staff.3) More challenging referrals:Programs aare being asked tomediate crimes of increasingseverity and complexity.4) Merits of preparation phase:While considered foundational bymost programs, on-site pre-mediation preparation raisesquestions for some who question itsnecessity.5) Enthusiastic staff: Program staffin VOM programs typically expressFEATURE ARTICLEproviders, and eliciting theparticipation of victims in the VOMprocess.10) Wrestling with issues:¥ If certification for mediatorsbecomes legislatively-mandated, willthe field move in the direction ofprofessionalism and away fromvolunteerism and the qualities of aÒgrassroots movement?Ó¥ How do we maintain qualitystandards for mediators?¥ How can we balance the needs ofvictims and offenders?¥ Is it possible for offenders to bevictimized by a VOM process that isstrongly punitive and shaming?¥ Is it helpful to have multiplesupporters attend the mediation?Can the presence of too manyÒothersÓ detract from the personal¥ What is a helpful and appropriaterole for parents of juvenile offenders¥ If VOM

is sponsored by victimservices or probat
is sponsored by victimservices or probation, will theneutrality of the program bejeopardized in the eyes ofparticipants?FEATURE ARTICLEalternative to adjudication, treatment, orincarceration, or as a supplement to thenormal court process?¥ How can we deal with pressure fromthe court system for particularoutcomes, e.g., quick settlement? Canwe maintain positive relationships withreferral sources while maintaining theintegrity of the labor-intensive VOMprocess?¥ At what point in a victimÕs journey,following the crime, is it most beneficialfor mediation to occur?¥ Do we need an unequivocalconfession of guilt by the offenderbefore proceeding, or will the processitself elicit a stronger sense ofresponsibility in the offender? What ifthe victim wishes to proceed regardlessof the offenderÕs attitude?¥ How useful is it to teachcommunication techniques, when theyseem to work against a natural flow andauthentic, spontaneous communication¥ How can we train mediators to beexperiences of both offender andvictim, while countering the danger oflabeling, which identifies a person solelyas ÒvictimÓ or Òoffender?ÓA copy of the full National VictimOffender Mediation Survey can beCenter for RestorativeJustice & MediationSchool of Social WorkUniversity of Minnesota1985 Buford AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55108is Directorof the Center for RestorativeJustice and Mediation at theUniversity of Minnesota. Mark isinternationally known as atrainer, mediator, researcher andauthor.Jean Greenwood, M. Div.,researcher, writer, trainer andspeaker in the field of victimoffender mediation andrestorative justice. Jean hastrained mediators across theprograms in Sweden and thewhen they seem to work against a natural flow andauthentic, spontaneous communication style?ÓVictim Offender Mediation Association4624 Van Kleeck DriveNew Smyrna Beach, FL 32169¥Agency membership is available to any organization that has an interest in the mediationprocess, the philosophy of restorative justice, or the criminal justice system. Annual agencydues are $150.00.¥Individual membership is available to those persons interested and/or involved in victim-offender mediation and reconciliation programs. Annual individual dues are $40.00.¥Student membership is available to full time students. Annual student dues are $15.00.VOMA membership benefits include the VOMA Connections, the Annual Directory ofMembers, access to VOMA resources, and agency discounts on the Annual Conference.Name/Contact PersonTitleProgram Name (if agency membership)Mailing AddressCity State/Province Postal Code CountryTel Fax e-mail addressAmount Enc