Young adult court pilot shows promise
A court pilot aimed at stopping the criminalisation of rangatahi is having positive results, with recidivism rates sitting at just 1%.
The new police data relates to the 500 people who have completed court-mandated plans through the Young Adult List in Porirua.
Meanwhile, an initial evaluation of the specialist court found people felt seen, heard, and that the process was fairer.
The programme for people aged 18-24 was launched at the Porirua District Court in March 2020 and is set to be rolled out across the motu.
It recognises a high percentage of young adult offenders suffer from neuro-disabilities such as dyslexia, acquired brain injury and foetal-alcohol spectrum disorder, which make them more likely to offend and become trapped in the justice system.
The court carries out forensic screening and provides wraparound specialist support in an effort to stop reoffending and future victimisation. Everyone in the court uses plain language and prioritises the inclusion of defendants, victims and whānau from all backgrounds.
Every defendant has to complete a plan, which includes gaining a driving licence or undertaking a defensive driving course, alcohol and drug treatment and community work.
An initial qualitative evaluation of the specialist court found those who went through the Young Adult List were more likely than their counterparts in the general district court to have a support person at court appearances; say they could clearly hear and understand the judge; and feel the judge had shown them respect.
Participants said they were grateful to be referred to specialist interventions.
And they were about twice as likely to say their court experience had made them think about their future, and make positive changes.
‘It makes you feel more respected . . . when they talk to you as a person and not as a statistic,’’ one participant said.
Meanwhile, the evaluation suggested broader early forensic screening; mindfulness of the high administrative loads; and subsequent quantitative analysis of specific outcomes, such as reoffending rates.