This office provides statutory, free-of-charge mediation in criminal and civil disputes in the Päijät-Häme and Kanta-Häme regions. Mediation is voluntary, impartial and confidential, and it does not decide criminal guilt. It is carried out by two trained volunteer mediators, with an interpreter if needed. The service is organised by the Harjula Settlement and overseen by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
A case can be referred by a party, a guardian, the police, a prosecutor, another authority or a service such as a school or social services, using an online form or by phone. Mediation covers offences such as property crimes, minor violent crimes and defamation, as well as neighbour and other civil disputes, including offences committed by children under 15. Agreements are reported to the police or prosecutor, and the office follows up on whether they are fulfilled.
Have you used the mediation service? Share your experience in the comments to help others find support.
