CRIME VICTIMS CONFRONT THEIR OFFENDERS - THE IMPACT OF A MINNEAPOLIS MEDIATION PROGRAM

Social workers are playing an increasingly active role in the emerging field of mediation. This article presents the findings of an evaluati on of a victim offender mediation program. The study is based on a qua si-experimental design involving 516 interviews with 441 crime victims and juvenile offenders, including pre- and postmediation interviews a nd involving two comparison groups. The vast majority of victims and o ffenders experienced the mediation process and outcome (restitution ag reement) as fair and were satisfied with the program. Significantly gr eater victim satisfaction and perception of fairness, as well as highe r restitution completion rates by offenders, were found.