Information for Families
Information for families
The family or whānau is the heart of the youth justice system. The law recognises all kinds of family groups across all cultures.
A child or young person's family includes:
- extended family - including at least one adult related by blood or by law, or someone the child or young person is emotionally attached to
- their whānau
- any other culturally recognised family group.
The law says family and whānau:
- should be supported and strengthened in their dealings with the Youth Court
- should be encouraged to find their own ways of dealing with their child or young person’s offending
- should be involved in making decisions affecting their own children and young people.
