Young Offenders Speak About Meeting Their Victims: Implications for Future Programs

Abstract

Victim–offender mediation (VOM) programs have gained considerable popularity in juvenile courts, yet little is known about how these programs actually influence offenders. This paper explores young offenders’ subjective experiences of voluntary participation in a county‐run VOM program in Minnesota. The authors conducted in‐depth, qualitative interviews with seven young offenders (aged 15–24), and four sets of their parents, who had recently participated in a VOM session with their crime victim(s). Data analysis revealed varying motivations for the offenders’ participation in the sessions, a range of emotional consequences, and some potential for enduring behavior change. Based on these findings, the authors propose guidelines for future practice and research with young people involved in mediation, conferencing, and restorative justice programs.

Keywords:

• Victim–Offender Mediation
• Juvenile Justice
• Behavior Change
• Qualitative Research
• Restorative Justice
• Youthful Offenders

Notes

[1] According to the 2000 census, the population of this county is 207,642; the median income is $66,200; 93% of the county is white; and only 3% of persons are living below the poverty line (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27000.html).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura S. Abrams

Laura S. Abrams is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Welfare, UCLA School of Public Affairs; Mark Umbreit is a professor of social work at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work and Director of the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking; and Anne Gordon is a licensed clinical social work in Anoka County, Minnesota.