NCJ Number
195083
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report, designed to provide a blue print for medium to long-term development of the New Zealand youth justice sector, focuses on three main areas: consulting with key stakeholders, implementing projects in areas of immediate priority, and developing a comprehensive Youth Offending Strategy to guide government in its response to youth offending.
Abstract
This taskforce report discusses feedback received from key stakeholders and community groups throughout New Zealand on how to develop a blueprint for development of the youth justice sector. The report contains specific recommendations to improve outcomes in the youth justice sector. The areas reviewed include: 1) present legislative basis for the youth justice sector, and the Family Group conference process; 2)a need for clearer leadership in the youth justice sector; 3) better support and resources for child, youth and family and police youth aid professionals; 4) interagency coordination improvement; 5) funding, resourcing and programs to meet the needs for hardest-end offenders; 6) sentencing options for hardest-end youth offenders; and 7) support for Maori young offenders and their families. Recommendations for immediate action include: development of intra-agency best practices; establishment of local youth offending teams in the coordination of service delivery to young offenders establishment of an oversight minister's group; and establishment of an independent advisory Council. Appendixes