As volunteer mediators in community victim offender mediation programs, citizens are involved in reducing crime and in helping to keep their community safe and livable. Types of cases typically referred Typical cases referred to mediation include misdemeanor and felony property crimes such as unauthorized use of motor vehicle, burglary, theft, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief. Lower level assaults may also be referred. The role of a mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties involved in the incident. Mediators are not judges, counselors, or decision-makers for the parties.
Mediators are neutral and have no investment in the outcome of the mediation.
Mediators do not provide legal advice, even though some mediators may be practicing attorneys. Mediators are required to have at least 30 hours of basic mediation training that meets the standards and practices of the Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission, and may have advanced training in victim and offender mediation. Continuing mediation education courses are offered regularly. Request for Services Offenders, both juvenile and adult, may be referred by the court, the district attorney, or the juvenile court counselor, at any stage in the adjudication process. With the consent of the participants, other persons with an interest in the controversy may be included in the mediation.