Review of Youth Offending Strategy needs to look at the whole picture – JustSpeak

JustSpeak, a young people’s network working towards a fairer justice system, welcomes the Associate Minister of Justice’s announcement that the Government’s Youth Offending Strategy is to be reviewed.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to explore far-reaching, bold and innovative solutions to problems in the way we do justice for our young people. The main law that governs youth justice issues – the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989 – was groundbreaking for its time, but we must not rest on our laurels. This Review must not become just another report.

Taking a holistic approach to young people who offend and their communities will be crucial to the success of this Review. It must look beyond the justice sector to the social and economic drivers of offending.

Changes in other areas, such as social welfare and education, have significant impacts on the potential effectiveness of any youth justice reform. Consequently, this Review must reflect genuine buy-in and participation by Ministries from Social Development to Economic Development, Education to Health.

This Review must also address the disproportionate involvement of Māori in the youth justice system and ensure iwi and hapu have a meaningful role in this conversation.

In a recent position paper released by JustSpeak – Māori and the Criminal Justice System: A Youth Perspective – we drew attention to New Zealand’s shameful record of discrimination against Māori in the justice system. In some parts of New Zealand up to 90% of young people going through the Youth Courts are Māori.

While JustSpeak supports initiatives like the Rangatahi Courts (marae-based courts for young Māori offenders), there needs to be greater and more meaningful engagement with iwi and hapu on how to help their young people, coupled with the proper resourcing.

We urge the Associate Minister to engage with young people, and those that support them, so that their voices can be heard in the formation of new policy.

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