Summary
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A study of processes in New Zealand under the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act included 692 youthful offenders drawn from 5 geographical areas. The law has been successful in meeting many of its objectives. Before its passage, there were 10,000 to 13,000 court cases each year; in 1990, the figure was 2,587. In 1988, 262 cases resulted in imprisonment or corrective training, compared to 112 in 1990. Further, the number of youths now sentenced to residence has halved. For the most part, families participated fully in the family group conference, though only 41% of victims did. Ninety-five percent of FGCs ended in an agreement about the decision. Practical difficulties surrounding the act include culturally appropriate practices, delays and inadequate follow up.
