NCJ Number
173371
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: February 1998 Pages: 34-51
Date Published
1998
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper examines current concerns about juvenile delinquency in England and Wales and recommends family group conferences as an innovative approach to the prevailing options being proposed.
Abstract
Family group conferences are an internationally developing model that uses the principles of restorative justice and is being applied both to child welfare and juvenile justice. Family group conferencing started in New Zealand as a response to the frustration of Maori families with the overrepresentation of their youth in the criminal justice system and with their disempowerment. It represented a return to traditional processes that actively involve offenders, victims, and communities and aim to restore community balance rather than simply to punish the offender. Successful piloting led to New Zealand legislation in 1989, endorsing this approach. They were also used for child welfare. Australia, Canada, and the United States have developed similar systems. Pilot projects have been established in child welfare in England and are currently being developed in juvenile justice in Kent and Hampshire. Central aims and issues in family group conferencing relate to marginality, accountability, diversion, participant satisfaction, use and abuse of victims, professional power, children's rights, cultural considerations, power imbalances in family dynamics, net widening, the lead agency, independent coordinators, preparation, funding. These issues require serious consideration to increase the chance of successful implementation in England and Wales. Figure, note, comment about a recent report and government proposals since the article was written, and 55 references (Author abstract modified)