Juvenile Offending: New Theory and Practice (From National Conference on Juvenile Justice, P 35-42, 1993, Lynn Atkinson and Sally-Anne Gerull, eds. -- See NCJ-148673)

• NCJ Number: 148677
• Author(s): J Braithwaite
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: From proceedings of the National Conference on Juvenile Justice, held in Adelaide, Australia, September 22-24, 1992.

Annotation

This paper describes and assesses the use of family group conferences in New Zealand and Australia to resolve conflicts between juvenile offenders and their victims.

Abstract

In family group conferences, juvenile justice staff convene meetings attended by the offender, those most supportive of the offender (usually family members), the victim, and victim supporters (usually family). The conference coordinator gives all participants an opportunity to explain how the offense affected their lives. Participants also propose a plan of action for dealing with the offense. A plan agreeable to all participants (including the police) is devised. The plan's implementation is monitored by juvenile justice officials, particularly those elements that involve victim compensation and community work. The family conference encourages reintegrative shaming while discouraging stigmatizing forms of shaming for youthful offenders. It tends to nurture acceptance of responsibility by individuals and families, apology, restitution, and forgiveness. This strategy is particularly appropriate for use with juvenile offenders from minority subcultures. 14 references