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Summary
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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 are discussed. The principal mechanism for achieving these objectives is the Family Group Conference (FGC) in most of the more serious cases. Police involvement in decision making is increased. Eighteen-month research data, presented in brief form, indicate 3 areas of particular concern: professionals taking over and thereby distorting and destroying the FGC process; families being denied information on both the process and the possibilities; and lack of resources and support services that can undermine family decision.
