A Mediator from Europe asks…. 

perhaps you remember me. I was at the DRC  2 years ago (Master in Mediation Practicum). I hope you can help me. I’m looking for information about “Juvenile Court Victim/Offender Mediation and Juvenile Court Prerelease/Parent-Child Mediation

For example who decides if a case is “transmitted” to mediation (the law?) how old are the kids, has the judge to give his o.k. to the result of the mediation, who is responsible for the controlling etc. We have, since january 2007, the possibility to (provide)  victim-offender mediations in Switzerland (by law)and we want to learn of all your experiences. Do you think that you can give me some information? It would be very
helpful.
Thank you
Hello Charlotte!

Yes I do remember you and remember that you had an interest in our Juvenile
Court Mediation Program.

Marty Shumaker was the one who conducted your tour that time and knows more
about that program than anyone.  I am cc’ing her on this message so that she
can respond to your questions directly.

The Judge orders mediation for children who are detained and/or those who
are presenting for a hearing without detention.   There is no law that
specifies mediation in any way for Juveniles…it is a judge’s opinion of
whether and when to order mediation.

There are two programs that prevail at the Gardner- Betts facility:  The
Victim/Offender Mediation Program and the Parent/Child Pre-release Mediation
Program (the latter is where children are detained and must mediate with
their families a  “plan” for returning home in hopes of preventing the
misconduct from continuing.

Both programs are described on the DRC website at www.austindrc.org under
“Mediation Services” on the left menu.

Good to hear from you!  I am so glad that our Practicum Program for European Mediators is paying off in increased exposure in your country!

Kris