NCJ Number
123486
Journal
Community Alternatives: International Journal of Family Care Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 77-90
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The 1989 New Zealand Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act establishes a Youth Court and new procedures and policies for responding to youthful offending.
Abstract
Youth justice aspects of the Act have their own set of principles distinct from principles governing care and protection issues. Among the Act's provisions are the following: (1) unless the public interest requires otherwise, proceedings should not be instituted against a child or young person if there are alternative means of dealing with the matter; (2) measures taken should be designed to strengthen families; (3) young offenders should be kept in the community where possible and consonant with public safety; and (4) the vulnerability of young people entitles them to special protection during investigations. The Act limits the power of police and other enforcement agencies to arrest in preference to summons. The Act also establishes the family group conference which is convened and facilitated by a Youth Justice Coordinator. The family group conference is intended to help the diversion process and is authorized to find alternatives to prosecution in dealing with an offender who admits guilt. The newly established Youth Court's dispositions are to be governed by the principles of proportionality, equality, determinacy, specificity, and frugality. 29 references. (Author abstract modified)