JUVENILE MEDIATION EVALUTION

Research Analyst: Alisa Rapp

University Wisconsin - La Crosse

The data gathered from the Trempealeau County Mediation Program was analyzed with the useof the SPSS statistical package. The data showed the various attitudes people had of the mediation process. The overall attitude was very positive, with most of the participants satisfied with all areas of the mediation services. Six variables were constructed from the survey responses.

Effectiveness

The responses for the question "how would you rate the effectiveness of the mediation process you experienced?" were extremely high. All ten of the respondents gave a four or five as a response to the effectiveness of the mediation. Each of the respondents felt the mediation was effective in the individual cases.

Outcome

The mean score in response to the question "how satisfied are you with the outcome of your mediation?" was 4.2. Again, 90% of the respondents were very satisfied with the mediation outcome;nine out of the ten respondents scored four or five to the question.

Timely

The satisfaction was also high for the timeliness of the mediation. The mean score was 4 on the scale of five for timeliness of the mediation. A few respondents felt the mediation was not conducted in a timely manner, but the responses did not affect the overall satisfaction levels of the respondents.

Mediator

Responses were also given to the quality of the mediator. Most people were extremely satisfied with the person conducting the mediation. Satisfaction of the mediator's professionalism was high, with an average score of 4.4. Seventy percent of the respondents rated the mediator as a five on the response scale.

Listening

Most respondents felt the mediator listened to the statements made by respondents throughout the mediation. Eighty percent rated the mediator as a five on the five point scale.

Explain

The last question, "how satisfied are you with the opportunity to explain your position during the mediation?" was also met with satisfied responses. The mean score was 4.6% with 90% of responses being four or higher.

Summary

Individuals going through the mediation process are overwhelmingly satisfied with the structure, the outcome, the chance to explain the position, and the quality of the mediator. Based on the small scale survey the mediation process used in Trempealeau County is very successful and run very well. Analysis of the program are only based on the ten surveys returned. Perhaps a larger study could be conducted in the future to better predict the future satisfaction levels of individuals going through the process. Only a few responses were very low. mostly in response to the timeliness question and in response to the question of the professionalism of the mediator. One respondent was very dissatisfied with the mediator, but all the rest of the responses were very high. The overall responses were very positive toward the mediation and people seem quite satisfied with the overall program.