We have been helping youth involved in the court system by providing juvenile mediation services in the Bridgeport Juvenile Court since 2005. In doing so, we play an important role in permitting a brighter future for juveniles and in reducing violence and crime in the community.

Juvenile cases are referred to us by probation, prosecutors, Juvenile Review Boards and from other court service providers who believe the matter could be better handled outside of the courtroom. Using restorative dialogue techniques our professional mediators bring together the people affected by a particular crime or incident. Types of cases include assault, breach of peace, threatening, vandalism, theft and selected Families With Service Needs cases.

After receiving a referral, our mediators hold separate meetings with the individuals and parents of any youth involved to see if they all are willing and ready to participate in a dialogue with the others. If all have agreed, then a mediation session is scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

During the session our mediators facilitate the dialogue so that each side has a chance to speak about the offense and to hear the other's views. In particular for cases involving a victim, the process ensures the victim has an opportunity to express how the incident affected them and what will repair the damage. Restorative victim-offender dialogue is the only safe, private way in our court system for victims to express themselves and ask questions of the offender. In more than 95% of the juvenile cases we mediate, an agreement is reached which covers feasible ways to repair the harm and/or methods to avoid future conflicts.

Data from the program show that juveniles commit one-fifth the crimes after mediation compared to juveniles who do not participate in mediation. Additionally, questionnaires completed by youthful offenders, the victims and parents show that 99% are "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the mediation process.

Based on our current successes in offering an alternative to what is often a cycle of crime and punishment, we are increasing our offering of juvenile mediation throughout the western regions of Connecticut. Participants in these mediations do not pay fees as costs are covered by grants and donations.

If you would like to inform others about these services, feel free to use this brochure.