Promising interventions for reducing Indigenous juvenile offending.

Source: (2011) Indigenous Justice Clearing House. Brief 10, March 2011.

A range of measures (including diversion and juvenile conferencing programs) has recently been implemented to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous
juveniles in detention, and minimise the contact of juveniles with the formal criminal justice system. Diversionary measures can only have a limited impact, however, and reducing offending and reoffending have been identified
as critical factors to address if the over-representation of Indigenous juveniles is to be reduced (Allard et al. 2010; Weatherburn et al. 2003). While acknowledging that other measures designed to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous juveniles are important, this paper reviews the evidence on policies
and programs that reduce offending by Indigenous juveniles in Australia. Where relevant, research from comparable jurisdictions, such as New Zealand and Canada, is also discussed. (excerpt)