Description
The project is needed to increase application of alternatives to imprisonment as until now Lithuania has no widely applied measures of the restorative justice, which facilitates constructive elimination of the consequences caused to the parties by the criminal act. The objective of the project is to develop an effective model of mediation in the criminal justice system. This will be achieved, firstly by creating a scientifically justified mediation programme and, secondly, by training of employees (80) to be capable to provide mediation service for at least 1500 persons during project implementation. It is expected that the mediation model will form the basis for dealing with exaggerated involvement (especially for juveniles) in formal criminal justice procedures, moreover, it will act as a preventative measure or mechanism for reducing the risk of recidivism. In addition, this project will ensure the needs of both the victim and the offender through a quick and effective conflict resolution with an intervention of qualified mediator.
Summary of project results
The project was needed to increase application of alternatives to imprisonment in Lithuania and develop an effective model of mediation in the criminal justice system. Before the project Lithuania had no widely applied measures of the restorative justice, which facilitated constructive elimination of the consequences caused to the parties by the criminal act. During implementation of the project a mediation programme was created and 82 persons capable to provide mediation service were trained. During the project 2084 persons took part in mediation programme, which is higher number than 1500 persons initially planned. Mediation cases applied in the course of project implementation were analysed and discussed by the mediators in order to ensure a proper quality of mediation services provided. Implementation of mediation in criminal justice contributed to an effective resolution of conflict between the victim and the offender, reduction of social tension and increasing of confidence in criminal justice procedures. It is expected that mediation programme created within the project will serve for further strengthening of mediation in Lithuania’s criminal justice system.
Summary of bilateral results