The Paediatric Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) has submitted in strong opposition to the Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill.
We believe this Bill is punitive rather than rehabilitative, failing to address the root causes of youth offending and putting tamariki and rangatahi at greater risk.
Key Concerns Raised in Our Submission:
🔹 Military-Style Academies (Boot Camps)
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Proven to be ineffective, with research showing they do not reduce reoffending.
- Risk exacerbating trauma among rangatahi, particularly those already affected by violence and hardship.
- Divert resources from proven, culturally responsive rehabilitative approaches.
🔹 Use of Physical Force on Young People
- The Bill permits physical force in youth justice settings, a serious human rights concern.
- Risks re-traumatising vulnerable rangatahi, breaching international child protection obligations (UNCROC).
- PSNZ strongly opposes any legislation permitting the use of force on young people.
🔹 Removal of Mandatory Family Group Conferences (FGCs)
- FGCs are central to New Zealand’s restorative justice model—removing them is a step backwards.
- They allow whānau and communities to be part of the solution, addressing the underlying drivers of offending.
- PSNZ advocates for strengthening FGCs, not eliminating them.
🔹 Ignoring the Root Causes of Youth Offending
- The Bill does not acknowledge the underlying issues many young offenders face, such as Neurodiversity (FASD, ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities). Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma histories). Socioeconomic challenges, intergenerational trauma, and lack of support services.
- Early intervention, mental health services, and culturally responsive rehabilitation are far more effective solutions.
PSNZ Advocacy Continues – Oral Submission to Parliament
📍 On Monday, 10th February, Dr Russell Wills, Chair of the PSNZ Child Protection Clinical Network, will present an oral submission to Parliament on behalf of PSNZ. He will further emphasise the harmful impacts of this Bill and advocate for evidence-based, equitable alternatives.
What We’re Calling For
✅ Remove military-style academies as a sentencing option
✅ Retain mandatory Family Group Conferences
✅ Reject the use of physical force on young people
✅ Invest in trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and evidence-based interventions
We will continue pushing for better youth justice policies that prioritise prevention, equity, and long-term wellbeing.
📄 Read our full submission here or below.
Ngā mihi,
On behalf of the PSNZ Executive Team