A critical element to insure the success of the restorative mediation process is to screen participants prior to deciding whether to hold a restorative mediation session. Screening interviews should be conducted with the injured party, the responsible party, and the insurance representative. Below are a series of questions to begin this process. Screening is generally done through a telephone interview but could also be conducted in person by the attorney representing one of the parties.

Responsible Party Screening Interview

• Ask what happened.
• Are they willing to take responsibility for causing the accident/injury?   →  If yes, appropriate for RM.
• Are they willing to meet with the injured party and their supporters?  → If yes, appropriate for RM.
• Would they like their insurance company to help repair the harm, damages and losses?  → If yes, appropriate for RM.

Injured Party Screening Interview

• Ask what happened and what injuries were sustained.
• Would it be helpful if the party responsible took responsibility for their actions? If so how? → If yes, appropriate for RM. 
• Would they be willing to meet with the responsible party for purposes of having them accept responsibility and to discuss the harm, damages and losses suffered?  → If yes, appropriate for RM.
• Would they like to meet with the responsible party’s insurance company to determine how to repair the harm, damages and losses? →  If yes, appropriate for RM.

Insurance Representative Screening Interview

• Do they agree that their company is responsible for compensating the injured party for any  harm, losses and damages? →  If yes, appropriate for RM.
• Are they willing to meet with the injured party and their supporters to discuss what resources are available to repair the harms, damages and losses? → If yes, appropriate for RM.
• Will they have authority at the meeting to resolve the claim if appropriate? →If yes, appropriate for RM.