YOUNG offenders and their victims will meet face-to-face in new mediation sessions launched in Lancashire this week.
Youth Justice Mediation is a new initiative developed by Lancashire Youth Offending Teams and aims to allow victims to have a greater say in the criminal justice system, in line with Youth Justice reforms.
Organisers want victims to be able to tell their offenders how their behaviour has affected their lives and the harm it has caused.
The youngster will then have the opportunity to make amends, either by way of an apology, compensation or an agreement to do some work for their victim or the community.
Similar schemes used in America and Australia have proved successful in helping victims overcome the trauma of the crime as well as reducing the risk of people re-offending.
Experienced volunteer mediators from all walks of life have been recruited and trained across the country to work on the project.
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