Rights of Victims of Youth Crime
A victim of a crime committed by a young person, has the right to attend a “youth justice Family Group Conference”.
It’s an opportunity to have your say on how the crime has affected you – and to help the young person face up to what they’ve done, take responsibility for their actions and turn their life around.
A FGC is a formal meeting for the victim or person affected by the crime , the young person and their whanau , a “youth justice coordinator “ (YJC) , representatives from Oranga Tamariki and NZ Police and other professionals that may be involved in the young person’s life .
The FGC’s role includes identifying the underlying reasons for the offending , developing a legally binding plan with the young person to help them right their wrong and to put things right with the victim.
I t can take courage to go to a FGC but if you do there is help for both parties.
A victim of youth crime will get help and support from the youth justice coordinator who will explain to you the FGC process , your role , give information to help you through and answer any questions or concerns you may have .
If you would rather not go to the FGC , talk to the YJC about your options : the YJC can talk about your experience at the FGC for you / asking someone else to present your views / write a letter to be read out at the FGC / join in by phone or tele-conference.
You are treated with respect, feel safe and supported . Whilst each FGC is different , it will likely have four main parts : Police give their facts / all talk about the offending & how to make it right / the offender and their whanau break to talk about what’s been said and to develop a plan to take back to the conference / together a plan is arranged if possible. If for some reason a plan can’t be agreed upon the Police or the Youth Court will decide what to do next.
More information is available on www.orangatamariki.govt.nz / www.victimsupport.org.nz / victimsinfo.govt.nz / youthcourt.govt.nz Remember , if you need help to look at a website or to put a letter together we at Wairarapa Citizens Advice Bureau can help you free of charge , with that. Citizen’s Advice Bureau 43 Perry Street Masterton. Freephone: 0800 367 222
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