The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading in Parliament today.
Minister for Children, Karen Chhour says the Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending.
“In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending,” said Ms Chhour.
She said the Bill makes fundamental changes to offer a faster, stronger, and more targeted response to young people who repeatedly commit the most serious offences.
“It is my view this might be our last chance to prevent these young people from entering the adult justice system and becoming persistent adult offenders.”
“I want to do everything we can to break the cycle of offending.”
The Bill introduces a Young Serious Offender (or YSO) declaration and a Military-Style Academy order.
The YSO declaration will unlock stronger powers for both the Youth Court and New Zealand Police, said Minister Chhour.
“A young person will be eligible for a YSO declaration if they are 14 to 17 years old at the time of offending, have committed at least two separate serious offences and are likely to go on offending,” she said.
The Military-Style Academy order included in the Bill will allow young people to be based in a Youth Justice Residence for between 3 to 12 months.
“I have seen firsthand the success of the residential stage of the Military-Style Academy pilot,” said Minister Chhour.
“Several of the boys left the programme with jobs already lined up, each one has a mentor who is working with them and there is intensive, tailored support for each young person.
“That is why today I am proud to introduce legislation that builds on the success of the pilot and will be key to achieving the government’s target of reducing child and youth offending.”
The Social Services and Community Committee will consider the Bill.
