Chance of Victim-Offender Mediation in Hungary

In general, mediation conceived as a peaceful method of conflict resolution and problem solving is a recent phenomenon in Hungary. Historically, the “Conciliation Hearing” in divorce proceedings was the first quasi-mediation method. Instead of reconciliation and compensation the theoretical background of the conciliation hearing was the unacceptability of divorce. The judge was obliged to try to achieve peace making of the couple to convince them not to divorce. It was partly non-professional and not in conjunction with the rules of classical mediation As a special form of mediation, “Health Mediation” came into force in 2000. Health mediation is held between the patient and the health service provider to find a peaceful solution to a problem in relation to the health services (like failure to enforce a patient’s right for information). An appointed representative of the patients based in every hospital moderates this mediation. In January 2004 “Child Welfare Mediation” was introduced. This mediation focuses only on the relations between child and non-custodial parents (grandparents and other entitled persons). Public Guardianship Authority has the right to use mediation if entitled partners are unable to manage agreement on date, frequency or type of keeping contact with the