NCJ Number
101140
Date Published
1985
Length
119 pages
Annotation
This evaluation concludes that a children's advocate program implemented in the Auckland (New Zealand) court significantly improved rates of legal representation at the child's first appearance and the continuity of representation for subsequent appearances.
Abstract
The program rostered 10 lawyers on a regular basis as a team and appointed a liaison officer to work with families and the community. The pilot was tested between November 1984 and April 1985. The evaluation was based on case studies, observation, and interviews with court personnel, parents, and children. Although legal representation rates rose, the evaluation found problems with the quality of representation for re-offenders. Children and parents assessed their court experience favorably, but levels of family and community involvement did not increase markedly. The research revealed increases in females before the court, an excessively high proportion of Maori, and a dramatic increase in Pacific Island children. Corrective recommendations are presented. Evaluation questionnaires and program report forms.