Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

• Already, the Ram Raid Offending and Related Measures Amendment Bill is working through the legislative process.
• Labour in government also announced new high-needs youth justice units, drawing criticism from opposition parties and justice reform advocates.
• ACT wants 200 new youth justice beds and responsibility for youth justice to move from children’s ministry Oranga Tamariki to the Department of Corrections.

Treating symptoms not causes

• The model of family empowerment, restorative justice, diversion from court prosecution and reintegration in society became known internationally.
• Youth justice was a central facet of National’s election campaign to end three terms of Labour-led government.
• This can be seen in the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on Māori and Pacific youth.
• Failing to address the complex developmental and social drivers of youth crime means those statistics are unlikely to change.

What is working?

• There is also considerable evidence of the influence young people’s gradual cognitive and social development can have on criminal behaviour.
• These age-related factors include reduced impulse control, difficulty with future planning, greater risk taking and susceptibility to peer influence.
• At the same time, age also offers an increased potential for positive change.

Trust the evidence

• But there is a disproportionately high number of youth justice beds here relative to other comparable countries, especially considering the system struggles with mental health support.
• Rather than lowering the age of criminal responsibility, the eligible age for appearing in the youth courts would be raised.
• She receives funding from Ara Poutama to develop and deliver Mana Wahine programmes at Christchurch Women's Prison.