Source: (2006) Journal of Social Issues. 62(2):239-258.
The Children, YoungPersons, and TheirFamilies Act 1989 put in place newobjects,
principles, and procedures for youth justice in New Zealand. Both the philosophy
underpinning this system and the use of family group conferences exemplify a
restorative justice approach that has now been adopted in many other countries.
This article describes these changes and presents some of the results of recently
published research that examines the extent to which young offenders have been
diverted from courts and custody, held accountable for their actions, and had
their wellbeing enhanced. It suggests that the New Zealand youth justice system
has achieved many but not all of its goals, and that there are still aspects where
improvement is possible. (author’s abstract)
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