Back to RJ Archive

The New Zealand model of family group conferences.

McElrea, F W M
June 4, 2015

Source: (1998) Paper presented at the Beyond Prisons symposium. Kingston, Ontario, March. Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada.

At a symposium sponsored by the Correctional Service of Canada, Judge F. W. M. McElrea surveys the New Zealand model of family group conferences (FGC). As background, he first provides an overview of the New Zealand youth justice system. This leads to discussion of a number of topics, including the following: the FGC as a pre-adjudication, diversionary measure; the rate of youth offending in relation to the reduced use of custodial outcomes and courts; the FGC as a post-adjudication measure for disposing of cases; and the role of the police in FGCs. McElrea also examines the FGC as a restorative justice technique applicable to adults.

Tags:

AbstractCourtsFamiliesPacificStatutes and Legislation
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now