An exploration of the cases referred to victim-offender mediation within the framework of the juvenile justice system
This thesis provides an in-depth look at the cases of young offenders referred to Trajet, an organisme de justice alternative (OJA) in Montreal, for victim-offender mediation.  More specifically, the objectives of this thesis are to describe the characteristics of these cases, to examine their relationship with participation in mediation and outcome, and to compare these same elements under the laws and processes in effect during the study time period (Young Offenders Act versus Youth Criminal Justice Act and Entente cadre).  Quantitative research methods were used to analyse the cases referred to Trajet over a ten-year period (1999-2009).    Descriptive analyses helped to determine how the cases resembled or distinguished themselves from those referred to other mediation programs.  Bivariate analyses revealed that offender age, offender gender, offence number, victim number, victim type, victim age, victim gender and case referral delay were significantly correlated with participation in mediation.  Logistic regression showed that offender age, victim number and referral delay were significant predictors of victim-offender participation in mediation.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to explore characteristics related to mediation outcome through bivariate and multivariate analyses due to the small proportion of cases in which the outcome was unsuccessful.  Significant differences were found in cases referred to victim-offender mediation after the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Entente Cadre regarding offence type, offence number, referral for prior offending, victim age, referral delay, reasons for which mediation did not occur, restitution terms and, more specifically, financial restitution.  Participation in victim-offender mediation also differed significantly in that participation was more likely following the implementation of the YCJA/Entente Cadre.  Partial correlations revealed that different case characteristics were associated with participation under the YOA and the YCJA/Entente cadre.  Only one characteristic was significantly correlated with participation regardless of the law and processes in effect: victim gender.  This in-depth look at the cases referred to Trajet for victim-offender mediation resulted in a better understanding of victim-offender mediation practice and of the impact of the YCJA/Entente cadre. However, because the sample of cases used was not representative, the results of this study cannot be generalised to the cases referred to all of Quebec’s OJAs for victim-offender mediation.
Young offenders mediation Young Offenders Act Youth Criminal Justice Act