New Zealand Sees Success With Culture-specific Youth Courts, Family Group Conferences [JJIE.org]
It’s midmorning on a Friday in Manukau’s Youth Court, and Judge Philip Recordon is sitting behind the bench, speaking to Thomas, a young teenage boy (his name has been changed to protect his privacy). The others in the room, including police prosecutor Sgt. Richard Spendelow, a lawyer, and representatives from Child, Youth and Family (CYF), are discussing Thomas’ case while he stands quietly. Recordon tells Thomas he can sit down, then sets his curfew: He isn’t allowed out between the hours...