JUVENILE VICTIM OFFENDER MEDIATION
Juvenile Victim-Offender Mediation (JVOM) is a face-to-face meeting between a youth who committed a crime and the person he or she has harmed. A trained mediator is present and helps guide the meeting. This mediator helps everyone feel comfortable and safe talking together.
At the Meeting
At the meeting, the juvenile offender and the victim talk to each other about what happened and how it has affected them. They may also discuss restitution, which is what the youth who committed the crime can do to repair the harm he or she caused.
Restitution Agreement
Once a restitution plan is agreed upon by the juvenile offender and the victim, the mediator will write the agreement plan and submit it as the official restitution agreement.
Case Management Services
Continued support and case management services for at-risk youth and their families are part of the JVOM program; these services are intended to reduce future involvement in the judicial system, reduce youth’s need for placement outside of the home and provide alternatives for at-risk youth involvement in the juvenile justice systems.
Case Managements services include:
- Crisis intervention
- Behavior management
- Individual supportive counseling
- Life skill development
- Family conferencing
- Limited transportation assistance
- Community service supervision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to participate?
JVOM is voluntary. Both victim and juvenile offender get to choose if they want to participate.
Where will the mediation take place?
The mediator will set the mediation in a neutral location, such as the NYAP office or a private room within the community, at a time that works best for everyone.
Who is able to make referrals?
Referrals can be made by judges, probation officers, victim advocates, prosecutors, defense attorneys, school counselors and/or police officers.
