Military-style responses have no place in youth justice, says Children’s Commissioner

Children’s Commissioner Jane Searle supports increased investment in helping young people with the most complex needs, but is disappointed that Parliament has passed the Young Serious Offender (YSO) Bill with military-style academies as part of the response.

“I welcome any commitment to investing in young people with complex needs and to reducing serious youth offending. There is no question that some mokopuna benefit from intensive support, and that we need effective responses for young people who are struggling.

“However, I do not believe military-style academies are the answer. The name itself reflects an approach that is inconsistent with what we know works best for children and young people. Investment must be focused on therapeutic, trauma-informed and evidence-based services that address the underlying causes of offending and support lasting change,” says Ms Searle.

“You cannot march young people into good behaviour. Almost all mokopuna who come into contact with the youth justice system have experienced significant trauma, adversity, abuse and neglect.

“What I do support is investment in evidence-based, therapeutic, trauma-informed rehabilitation.”

Ms Searle says the law also sits in contrast to the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

“The Royal Commission heard powerful evidence about the harm caused when children and young people are subjected to punitive environments. It is difficult to reconcile this legislation with the Government's commitment to learn from and respond to the Inquiry.

“We know there is significant crossover between the State care and youth justice systems, which makes it especially important that our responses do not repeat approaches that risk causing further harm to children who have already experienced trauma.”

Military-style academies may also disproportionately affect children and young people who are already overrepresented in the youth justice system, including mokopuna Māori and those living with complex needs and neurodisabilities.

“Now that the legislation has passed, I will be following its progression closely.

“Together with my team, I will continue listening carefully to the voices and experiences of young people in our youth justice and care and protection system, to ensure their rights, safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of discussions about the programme.”

Media contact:

Melissa Wastney
029 909 2715