Source: (1993) Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology 26(1):72-90. Reprinted in Restorative Justice. Declan Roche (2003), ed. Pp. 53-71. The International Library of Essays in Law & Legal Theory, Second Series. Aldershot, Hants, England: Dartmouth/Ashgate.
A review describes the system of juvenile justice adopted in New Zealand under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989. The act’s objectives and principles include: the integration of a western and an indigenous approach; the empowerment of families and young people; the involvement of victims; and group consensus decision making. The principal mechanism for achieving these objectives is the Family Group Conference (FGC). Police involvement in decision making is also increased. Eighteen-month research data indicate 3 areas of particular concern: professionals taking over; families being denied information; and a lack of resources and support services.
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