Welcome

Ahu atu te mata ki te ao marama kei kono nga reanga e utanga.
Turn your face to the world of light. The generations yet unborn are waiting there for you.

(Maori Proverb)

to plan for a year - sow a rice paddy field
to plan for a decade - plant trees
to plan for a generation - nurture youth

(Indian Proverb)

Kia Ora.  Welcome

Kia Ora. Welcome to the website that tells you about the Youth Court of New Zealand and how it works.

The Children, Young Persons, & Their Families Act 1989 set up a completely new way of dealing with young people who break the law, and a new way of managing what happens to them and their families.

The youth justice system is to do with what happens when the police believe a young person has committed a crime. It's about what can happen before and after a young person goes to court, or instead of their going to court. It depends on the involvement and support of whanau and families, as well as involvement from victims.

Most of the information is shown here for the first time in New Zealand.

To help you find what you want, the site is divided into five sections:

About the Youth Court

• how the court works
• how to get in touch with your nearest court
• frequently asked questions about the Youth Court

Young people and the Youth Court

• especially for teenagers and children, particularly those who've broken the law
• read about the Youth Court and get an idea what to expect if you have to appear there

Families and the Youth Court

• tells families what might happen if one of their young people is charged with an offence
• youth justice system depends on whanau/family support, and this section encourages them to get involved

Victims and the Youth Court

• helps the victims of offences committed by young people
• victim involvement is a crucial part of the youth justice system

About Youth Justice

• provides information on the youth justice process in New Zealand

One website can't possibly tell you everything there is to know about the Youth Court. But this site will give you an idea what to expect and who to ask if you want to know more

If you don't know what a word or phrase means, look for it in What does that mean?

And if you want to know the answer to a specific question, try Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Andrew Becroft

Principal Youth Court Judge
Te Kaiwhakawa Matua O Te Kooti Taiohi

It is appropriate to acknowledge the contribution of District Court Judge David Harvey, who has led the work in developing this website, together with the design and technical expertise of Joseph Lindsay, and assistance with content and editing provided by Lynda Duncan of the Ministry of Justice.