Mediation and Restorative Justice

Mediation and Restorative Justice

For the most complete and up-to-date information visit the webpage for the Office of Dispute Resolution: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/programs-services/mediation-restorative-justice

 


Mediation and Facilitation

Since the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative was created in 2006, particular attention has been paid to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), or mediation and facilitation, practices within the context of the abuse/neglect court system. As the best interests of the child are of primary concern, mediation and facilitation practices have been shown to be particularly useful in placing the child at the forefront of the parties' issues and in creating plans that are best for the family.

In Nebraska, the development of mediation and facilitation practices in abuse/neglect cases began with the development of Pre-Hearing Conferences which are held prior to the Protective Custody Hearing, the first hearing after the child is removed from the home. The purpose of the Pre-Hearing Conference is three-fold: (1) to gather information about the family at the beginning of the court process, (2) to include the parents in decision-making process and improve their buy-in, and (3) to identify and initiate necessary services as soon as possible.  In 2006, a Protocol Development Committee  developed a statewide protocol for initial Pre-Hearing Conferences, which is available below.  By 2008, most local teams had integrated Pre-Hearing Conferences into court practice.

In 2007 and 2008, an informal study of Pre-Hearing Conferences was conducted in the counties of Adams, Clay, Dawson, Fillmore, Madison, Nuckolls, Seward, Webster and Scotts Bluff. 

Beginning in 2009, local teams further expanded use of facilitation in the later stages of abuse and neglect cases with the implementation of Permanency Pre-Hearing Conferences and TPR (termination of parental rights) Pre-Hearing Conferences. Permanency Pre-Hearing Conferences are facilitated meetings held up to six weeks prior to the Permanency Hearing, which occurs 12 months after the child is removed. The purpose of the Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference is to bring the parties together to gather information and determine what information is still needed prior to the Permanency Hearing so that (a) the Court has sufficient detailed information to make a permanency decision that is in the child's best interests regarding the child's safety, well being, and timely permanency and (b) the parties have the opportunity to discuss what permanency plans will be proposed to the Court and what steps need to be made to accomplish the plans. View the powerpoint presentation presented by Judge Roland's team at the 2009 Children's Summit.

The purpose of the TPR Pre-Hearing Conference is to bring the parties together to gather information and determine whether the case is ready for trial regarding terminating parental rights and to provide the parties an opportunity to explore non-trial alternatives, all with the primary focus on the need for permanency for the child that are in the child's best interests.

For more information abut ADR in abuse/neglect cases, contact Kelly Riley, Director of Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution, 402-471-2766

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is a process that repairs the harm caused by criminal or delinquent behavior through the input or recognition of victims, offenders and community members.  In juvenile justice, restorative justice has greatly expanded in the past decade. Restorative justice can include restitution and conferencing, and can also be more specific services like Victim-Offender Mediation.

Victim-offender mediation is an evidence-based practice that reduces recidivism and increases restitution to victims and to society through a process which provides the victim and offender a safe setting to discuss the offense with a trained facilitator.   Regional use of victim-offender mediation has occurred in a small number of cases, and is expanding due to grant funding and use of community-aid dollars.  Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-286(3), a judge may "with the agreement of the victim, order the juvenile to attend juvenile offender and victim mediation with a mediator or at an approved center" that is part of a roster maintained and made available by the Office of Dispute Resolution to courts and county attorneys.  Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-2908.

Initial Pre-Hearing Conference

Initial Pre-Hearing Conference
Initial Pre-Hearing Conference

Although not required, the majority of teams have adopted this protocol for their Pre-Hearing Conferences. In 2007 and 2008, an informal study of Pre-Hearing Conferences was conducted in the counties of Adams, Clay, Dawson, Fillmore, Madison, Nuckolls, Seward, Webster and Scotts Bluff. Click here for more information on the study.

Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference

Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference
Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference

In 2009, local teams began further expansion of ADR practices in the timeline of their abuse/neglect cases. The southern Panhandle team led by Judge Randin Roland began piloting Permanency Pre-Hearing Conferences (PPHCs). Permanency Pre-Hearing Conferences are facilitated meetings held up to six weeks prior to the Permanency Hearing, which occurs 12 months after the child is removed. The purpose of the Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference is to bring the parties together to gather information and determine what information is still needed prior to the Permanency Hearing so that (a) the Court has sufficient detailed information to make a permanency decision that is in the child's best interests regarding the child's safety, well being, and timely permanency and (b) the parties have the opportunity to discuss what permanency plans will be proposed to the Court and what steps need to be made to accomplish the plans. 

Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference and Pre-Hearing Termination of Parental Rights Conferences (PHTPRs)

Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference and Pre-Hearing Termination of Parental Rights Conferences (PHTPRs)
Permanency Pre-Hearing Conference and Pre-Hearing Termination of Parental Rights Conferences (PHTPRs)

Concurrently, the Sarpy County team led by Judge Bob O'Neal collaborated with the Concord Center and DHHS to develop a mediation pilot that would include Permanency Pre-Hearing Conferences and Pre-Hearing Termination of Parental Rights Conferences (PHTPRs) to be held in a number of abuse/neglect cases. The purpose of the Pre-Hearing Termination of Parental Rights Conferences is to bring the parties together to gather information and determine whether the case is ready for trial regarding terminating parental rights and to provide the parties an opportunity to explore non-trial alternatives, all with the primary focus on the need for permanency for the child that are in the child's best interests.