In Aotearoa, we all want our young people to participate positively in their community, have the opportunity for education, and have what they need to be well.

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However, we know that currently not every young person has these same opportunities, and for some this will lead to them cause harm. Successive governments have continued to send our young people down a path that does not support them to heal, and leads them to a system that can trap them for the rest of their lives. 

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We know what the drivers of crime are, yet we continue to prop up a justice system that fails to address them. Unfortunately this Bill is no different. This Bill represents a punitive, ineffective, expensive approach. More effective evidence-based responses are required. JustSpeak is strongly opposed to this legislation and recommends the committee reject the Bill in its entirety.

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Our justice system could provide the opportunity for young people to be accountable for the harm they have caused, and give both them and their victims the opportunity to heal. We recommend the committee look at alternatives, such as community based organisations and programmes supporting pathways through restorative justice.

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View our full submission here.