Jobs around the house for youth offenders

Youth offenders who were allowed to mow lawns and do other household jobs to complete community service sentences during lockdown may be given the option permanently.

During the level 4 and 3 lockdowns in 2020 Oranga Tamariki, which oversees youth justice, adapted community service sentences so young people could do jobs at home like mow lawns or make Covid-19 posters. They were also able to attend family group conferences or other court-related meetings remotely. The changes were so positive, it says, Oranga Tamariki is considering making them a long-term option.

Under the Oranga Tamariki Act a judge may sentence a young person to a community work order of between 20 and 200 hours, which may typically involve working for free for a community organisation, or anything of service to a community, such as cleaning public areas or helping groups. The specific service is tailored according to the offence and is agreed upon at a Family Group Conference which can include the victim.

Oranga Tamariki youth justice system development director Phil Dinham said Covid19 had brought innovation to how it worked with young people.

‘‘We saw new approaches to community work, such as adapting community service so young people could complete their service doing home-based activities such as mowing lawns, making Covid-19 posters and other activities within their bubble.’’

Many of the changes had positive benefits that may continue post-Covid-19, Dinham said.

‘‘For example, the use of remote technology reduced the risk of absconding when young people were escorted from a residence to another location (for example for court appearances). Remote participation can make the experience of being taken to and from court from custody less traumatic for the young person and cause less disruption to their routines.

‘‘Changes to community service meant Youth Justice plans could be completed in a timely manner and provided meaningful activities for young people to do at home during lockdown.’’

The ministry was planning to engage with children, young people and wha¯nau around whether to make the changes permanent.