Abstract:
This research was conducted to address the issues surrounding girls in New Zealand’s justice system, particularly focusing on our youth justice system, and subsequently family group conferencing. It examines backgrounds and patterns of offending across girls, as well as addressing how the system responds to girls, and discusses where improvements are needed. The research draws on international and local literature to address this, but the other main source of information is from two experts from within this field: Khylee Quince from the University of Auckland Faculty of law, and Dr. Tracey McIntosh from the University of Auckland Department of Sociology. Semi-structured interviews with each of these key informants formed the predominant method of research, and within these interviews offending by girls and how it is responded to in New Zealand was substantially addressed, with particular attention paid to Maori girls and issues they face. The interview content was analysed using a thematic analysis and seven main themes emerged: characteristics of female offenders; background and context of girls’ offending; ethnicity; perceptions of and reactions to girls; systemic issues; family group conferencing, and; what New Zealand is doing well and what needs to be improved. These are discussed throughout the thesis. Through the interviews and examination of literature, this research found that many girls within the justice system have similar backgrounds, often with high levels of victimisation. The first part of the thesis identifies societal issues which can impact girls - patriarchy, poverty, racism, state care, school exclusion and gang involvement. The second part identifies issues which affect girls on a more individual basis – victimisation, mental health and relational or familial problems. Both parts address how girls are responded to within the system. The research finds that overall New Zealand has a largely successful youth justice system, primarily as a result of the use of family group conferencing, but more can be done to ensure girls are responded to appropriately. The research also acknowledges positive initiatives within society to reduce youth offending, but calls for more societal support to address the needs of girls before they become involved in the justice system.