Article 5, Part 3 – Immediate intervention procedures (705 ILCS 405/Article V, Part 3)
E. Community mediation (705 ILCS 405/5-310):
The community mediation program's main purpose is to provide a system by which minors who commit delinquent acts may be dealt with in a speedy and informal manner at the community or neighborhood level.
In this program, community mediation will be conducted with a mediator, the victim, and the offender. A minor who is offered the opportunity to participate in a mediation program must admit responsibility for the offense in order to be eligible.
Sometimes, the State’s Attorney’s office will establish community mediation panels so that citizens may participate in addressing juvenile delinquency. These panels consist of members with diverse backgrounds in employment, education, and life experience. They informally hear cases that are referred by police officers as station adjustments, parole officers as parole adjustments, or by referral from the State’s Attorney’s office.
Mediation is a part of the “balanced and restorative justice model” and was incorporated into the Act so the community could play an active role in dealing with juvenile offenders. Mediation has proven effective in the 5th and 6th Municipal Districts of Cook County.
