This study evaluated the effect of mediation on agreement completion and re-offense in Lane County, Oregon. To do so, it examined the records of juveniles referred to the program between 1996 and 1998, comparing the numbers of offenses pre- and post-referral across three groups: those who participated in mediation, those who agreed to participate but could not, and those who refused to participate. A total of 150 juveniles were involved in the study, including 68 who participated in mediation, 44 who agreed to but could not participate, and 38 who refused to participate.
The study found that of those who participated and reached agreement, 76.8% completed agreement and 13.4% partially completed it. Those who did not complete any agreement made up 9.8% of cases. It also found the average number of offenses by all juveniles referred to the program decreased by 64.6% from the year before referral. Juveniles who met with the victim had 80.8% fewer offenses; juveniles who agreed to participate but did not meet with the victim had 65.3% fewer offenses; juveniles who refused mediation had 32.2% fewer offenses.
Description of Study: Study of the effect of mediation on agreement completion and recidivism in Lane County, Oregon.
Method: Examined records of juveniles referred to the program between July 1996 and November 1998. Juveniles with incomplete or missing records and juveniles from out of county were excluded from the study. Compared number of offenses per juvenile before referral to the number of offenses committed per juvenile after referral, then compared those numbers across three groups of juveniles: those who participated, those who refused to participate and those who agreed to participate but who did not because the victim could not or would not participate.
Comparative: Yes
Comparison Groups: Those juveniles who participated in mediation; those referred to program and who agreed to mediation, but did not because the victim refused; and those referred to program but refused mediation
Sample Size: 198 total juveniles referred. Once incomplete or missing records were removed, the total sample was 150: 68 who participated in mediation, 44 who agreed to but could not participate, and 38 who refused to participate.
Variables Examined: Percent of agreements completed, recidivism rate
Program Variables: Voluntary program established in 1989 that was available to selected juveniles who accepted responsibility. These juveniles tended to be first- or second-time offenders. Co-mediation model with discussion focused on what happened and what type of restitution was appropriate. Agreements involved community service, restitution, a project, apology, and other actions deemed appropriate.
Findings: Of those who participated and reached agreement, 76.8% completed the agreement and 13.4% partially completed it. 9.8% did not complete any of the agreement.
The average number of offenses by all juveniles referred to the program decreased by 64.6% from the year before referral. Juveniles who met with the victim had 80.8% fewer offenses; juveniles who agreed to participate but did not meet with the victim had 65.3% fewer offenses; juveniles who refused mediation had 32.2% fewer offenses.