New Zealand Youth Justice System

New Zealand’s Youth Justice System focuses on rehabilitation and accountability for young people aged 17 and under who commit offences. It combines enforcement, such as warnings or court orders, with supportive services like counseling and education to address underlying issues. The system aims to balance public safety with the young person’s development, emphasizing diversion from formal court processes when appropriate and using detention only as a last resort. Overall, it seeks to promote positive change while ensuring consequences for unlawful behavior are fair and constructive.