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Description
The objective of the project is comprehensive and systematic training in mediation and a high-quality and widely used mediation service.
In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to develop and harmonise the mediation process and approach, and to create a strong theoretical basis for mediation and a practice that suits Estonian conditions. This enables to provide an effective restorative justice service that improves the satisfaction and sense of security of the parties. It is also important to ensure that mediation would be applicable in a larger number of cases and more specific ones, it would be more widely available and adapted to both minors and adults, and people would be more aware of restorative justice.
The project will develop a mediation model adapted to the needs in Estonia, put together a training course and interactive materials, train mediators and mediator trainers using this model, and organise outreach activities on restorative justice.
By creating the mediation model, mediation will be extended: it will be carried out on the basis of a common and agreed methodology in cases of both minors and adults, including in special cases (e.g. sexual abuse, community conflicts). Various forms of mediation will be added to juvenile cases: in addition to two-party cases (mediations), the model also includes a restorative conferences involving the network. Model-based mediation will be implemented and qualified trainers will pass on their competencies on mediation to various target groups (within the staff and specialists in institutions working with children and young people, among institutions and specialists dealing with adults, and in society as a whole). This will allow for a more diverse and widespread use of restorative justice approaches.
Summary of project results
The objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive and systematic training in mediation and a high-quality and widely used mediation service. This enables to provide an effective restorative justice service that improves the satisfaction and sense of security of the parties. It is also important to ensure that mediation would be applicable in a larger number of cases and more specific ones, it would be more widely available and adapted to both minors and adults, and people would be more aware of restorative justice.
A mediation model suitable for Estonia was developed in cooperation with models for specific cases (conflicts within the family, younster''s return to the community, difficult mediation cases). The Models were piloted and adapted. Additionally a training system was created - trainers training, e-module for basic conflict mediation and three e-module trainings for specific cases. Altogether 11 trainers and 50 mediators were trained. Personal experience training videos were filmed.
THe models developed have been integrated into the restorative justice service provision toolbox in the Social Insurance Board. Conflict mediation trainers are ready to spread the good practice into the communities. Training modules will be used for training new volunteer mediators as well as the the courses will be taught at the Estonian Academy for Security Sciencies.
Summary of bilateral results
Cooperation with Norwegian Mediation and Reconciliation Services was successful and will continue in the future. Some bi-lateral events are already in the planning. Norwegian Mediation and Reconciliation Services consulted Social Insurance Board regarding Norwegian practices on using restorative justice measure in gender-based violence and sexual violence cases. They also gave a presentation at the opening and final conferences of the project. Social Insurance Board learned a lot also from the volunteer support set-up in Norway.