The Youth Justice system in New Zealand has always been pioneering, and following amendments to the Oranga Tamariki Act in July 2019 practitioners in the Youth Justice space have even more tools at their disposal when working with rangatahi.
It is a brave, exciting, new world and a time to make the most of what the Act, the Convention and the Treaty offer.
The Youth Court is a specialist jurisdiction, requiring Youth Advocates to have special characteristics in order to be appointed, and special skills to do their work in addition to their legal skills.
These materials give an overview of the Youth Justice System and focus on the function and procedures in the courtroom.
- The Youth Court
His honour Judge FitzGerald and Her honour Judge Otene
This session will provide:- An overview of the NZ Youth Justice system and the Youth Courts place in it.
- A summary of the major challenges facing the court and the action currently being taken to meet them.
- A discussion about the tools now available under the Oranga Tamariki Act to achieve better outcomes.
- Family group conferences
Dana George, Barrister and Youth Advocate
Amosa Samuelu, Auckland City Youth Justice Co-ordinator
A summary of the various types of Family Group Conferences that Youth Advocates may be expected to attend in their role.
This session will address the legislation underlying Family Group Conferences, the way Family Group Conferences are run, outcomes, Family Group Conference Reports and best practices.
This session aims to assist Youth Advocates to make the most of the Family Group Conference process in achieving good outcomes for their rangatahi.
- Arrest, Police procedures and remands
Maggie Winterstein, Barrister & Youth Advocate
Gary Earley, Barrister
This session will focus on:
- When can a youth be arrested and their legal rights.
- Remand, residential and bail options in the Youth Court.
- The interviewing of youths and the taking of DNA evidence by Police.
- Disposition – sentencing
Renee Karena, Barrister & Youth Advocate
Judith Malcolm, Barrister & Youth Advocate
