PART 1: CHILDREN AND YOUTH
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Abuse in intimate relationships
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: Health Research Council
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date April 1998
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Unwanted sex or is it rape?: a teenage perspective
Author(s): Henderson, Susan M.
Completed: YES
Availability: In process of publication in Rape: 10 years progress. Conference Proceedings, March 1996.
Description: ABSTRACT. The format of this presentation is a discussion paper related to work in progress. The work presented in the paper is extracted from a recent New Zealand pilot study on teenagers' intimate relationships and the abuse that occurs within them. The study involved discussion with groups of teenagers, male and female, about various aspects of girlfriend-boyfriend relationships. The transcripts of the discussion sessions comprise the data for the study. This paper will show how teenagers in the study construct the issue of unwanted sex and this will be illustrated with excerpts from the transcripts. Implications for intervention and prevention will be discussed. The goal of the paper is to stimulate discussion and contributions from the audience in a way that will assist future developments of the research project.
Keywords: education, sexual abuse, youth
Notes:
Title: Abuse in the intimate relationships of teenagers
Author(s): Henderson, Susan M.
Completed: NO, planned completion date April 1998
Availability: -
Description: This research project aims to provide information about the extent of abusive behaviour experienced in teenagers' intimate relationships, the context in which it occurs, factors that contribute to its use, how such behaviour is perceived and ways in which it could be prevented. Data for the research will be gathered using both qualitative and quantitative methodology, involving focus groups and individual interviews for the former and a school survey questionnaire for the latter. Outcomes of the research will be used to develop primary prevention programmes aimed at assisting young adults to develop healthy, non-violent heterosexual relationships in addition to identifying the types of intervention that would be easily accessed and used by those already in abusive relationships.
Keywords: education, sexual abuse, youth
Notes: PhD in Psychology thesis, The University of Auckland
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Anga Atu Club, Masterton
RESEARCH
Done by: Authors
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit with Masterton Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study, established programme evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Evaluation of Anga Atu Club for Crime Prevention Unit,
June 1994 - June 1995
Author(s): Brock, Graeme and Jonathon Hooker
Completed: YES
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report. Contact Crime
Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington
Description: Evaluation of programme operations through interviews with families, home visits, school attendance record analyses, examination of networks, examination of management procedures, analyses of programme diaries and attendance records.
Keywords: crime prevention, education, truancy, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Attitudes to child abuse
RESEARCH
Done by: Colmar Brunton Research
Funded by: Children, Young Persons and their Families Service (CYPFS)
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Qualitative report "Breaking the cycle", May 1994
Author(s): Colmar Brunton Research
Completed: YES, May 1994
Availability: Contact CYPFS Communications, P O Box 21, Wellington.
Description: Objectives. The overall objective of the research is to measure long term attitude and behaviour change in relation to the reporting of child abuse. Specific research objectives for the qualitative research were: to determine what people in New Zealand recognise as child abuse; to determine perceptions of the effect child abuse has on immediate and ongoing families; to identify perceptions of who is responsible for stopping abuse; to examine what respondents would do if they encounter child abuse; to provide an understanding of barriers to breaking the cycle of child abuse; to determine awareness of CYPFS and their function. Methodology. The exploratory qualitative stage comprised of 24 three hour motivational, in depth interviews conducted with 'care-givers'. For the purposes of this research, a caregiver is defined as someone who has responsibility for a child or children under the age of 16 years.
Keywords: abuse awareness, abuse recognition, abusers, attitudes, awareness of help, breaking the cycle, child abuse, children, emotional abuse, harm, Maori, Pacific Islands peoples, physical abuse, reporting barriers, sexual abuse, youth
Notes:
Title: Quantitative report "Breaking the cycle" research, June 1995
Author(s): Colmar Brunton Research
Completed: YES, June 1995
Availability: Contact CYPFS Communications, P O Box 21, Wellington.
Description: Objectives. The overall objective of the research is to measure long term attitude and behaviour change in relation to child abuse. Specific research objectives for the quantitative research were: to quantify awareness of the different types of child abuse; to quantify the effect child abuse has on immediate and ongoing families; to quantify the awareness of help available generally and specific awareness of CYPFS as an organisation to contact about child abuse; to measure what people do if they encounter child abuse and how likely they are to contact an official person or organisation; to provide an understanding of barriers to contacting an official person or organisation about child abuse. Methodology. The benchmark quantitative research was conducted amongst 500 members of the general public aged 15 years and over. Interviews were conducted using face-to-face methodology, and interviews lasted 20 minutes each. The sample was nationally representative, and covered urban and rural areas.
Keywords: abuse awareness, abuse recognition, abusers, attitudes, awareness of help, breaking the cycle, child abuse, children, emotional abuse, harm, Maori, Pacific Islands peoples, physical abuse, reporting barriers, sexual abuse, unwanted touching, youth
Notes:
Title: "Breaking the cycle" research monitor, September 1995
Author(s): Colmar Brunton Research
Completed: YES, September 1995
Availability: Contact CYPFS Communications, P O Box 21, Wellington.
Description: The monitor questions have been expanded to also measure: likely usage of 0800 number services for advice or information; and reasons for using or not using 0800 number services. Additional interviews were conducted with Maori and Pacific Islands people enabling more in-depth analysis to be undertaken among these sub-groups of the population. The results have been re-weighted so that these sub-groups are represented in their correct proportions to the total population.
Keywords: abuse awareness, abuse recognition, abusers, attitudes, awareness of help, breaking the cycle, child abuse, children, emotional abuse, harm, Maori, Pacific Islands peoples, physical abuse, reporting barriers, sexual abuse, unwanted touching, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Child abuse prevention
RESEARCH
Done by: University of Otago Department of Paediatrics
Funded by: National Child Health Research Foundation
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date November 1996
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Prevention of child abuse amongst pre-school children
Author(s): McCrimmon, Fiona M.V.
Completed: NO, planned completion date November 1996
Availability: Will be available on completion from University of Otago Library; journal publications are planned.
Description: Aim. The main aim of the research has been to determine an effective strategy for the promotion of parenting skills aimed at decreasing the incidence of reported and other less well defined indicators of child abuse and neglect in the pre-school child. Methodology. 1. A review of the child abuse and prevention literature with particular focus upon the efficacy of home-visiting and parent support. 2. An analysis of the legal and ethical issues involved in targeting resources to a high risk group of parents and of the substantial privacy law and informed consent issues which arise. 3. Consultation with disciplines and agencies directly involved with child abuse management, with the promotion of women's health, and the prevention of family violence. 4. An opinion survey of mothers and fathers of newborns in order to determine the acceptability of various methods of identifying which families are to receive the targeted assistance. It has become very clear that the area of greatest difficulty is to find a process acceptable to families, so this has become the focus of concern.
Keywords: child abuse prevention, community safety, crime prevention, domestic violence, early intervention, perinatal identification of at risk families
Notes: M.Sc. thesis at University of Otago. A further research project is now planned, for which funding applications have been made, entitled "Perinatal identification of family stress to improve the well-being of children: a comparison of clinical judgement, structured interview and self-administered questionnaire". The purpose of this proposed research is to allow the investigators to proceed with testing of the client-preferred method of screening; this in turn is a prerequisite to a randomised controlled trial of a programme of home visiting and parent support.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Child offenders
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of the Commissioner for Children, and Department of Justice
Funded by: Office of the Commissioner for Children, and NZ Police
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Child offenders: a report to the Ministers of Justice, Police and
Social Welfare.
Author(s): Maxwell, G.M. and J. Robertson
Completed: YES
Availability: Office of the Commissioner for Children, 1995. 68pp. ISBN 09 90903901-1. A summary of the findings and recommendations presented in Justice Matters, April 1996; Wellington: Ministry of Justice. Additional paper, Responding to Child Offenders, Maxwell, G.M. and J. Robertson, in Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 1996, In press.
Description: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY [abridged]. This study was conceived as a response to questions about the adequacy of current responses to children aged 10-13 years who commit criminal offences and whether or not criminal court proceedings in such cases would be more appropriate than referrals for a Family Group Conference... A sample of child offenders who committed serious offences or were recidivist offenders in 1994 was obtained by requesting police, in districts selected as having reported problems with child offenders during 1993, to forward names and files of child offenders... Data on family backgrounds, offending, referral patterns and actions taken to investigate or intervene were coded and entered on a computer file. An analysis of data on 109 records meeting the sample criteria is the basis for this report. Results indicate that a relatively small number of these child offenders have been involved in very serious offences although many have been persistent offenders. The sample of 109 cases in this study can be estimated as representing approximately 80% of the child offenders likely to have met the sample criteria throughout New Zealand during 1994... The study also examined the responses to the offending. Two-thirds of the cases were referred by the police for a Family Group Conference (FGC) or an application was made for a declaration... The plans that resulted from FGCs addressed issues of accountability in 61% of cases and interventions to meet care and protection issues were identified for about three-quarters. However, plans broke down or were not fully implemented in 72% of cases and nearly four out of five children re-offended. Some of the difficulties lie around referral procedures, others around co-operation between Police and CYPS, others around the adequacy and availability of services and supports. This analysis suggests that the best way to address these difficulties may lie in improving referral processes, inter-agency co-operation and service availability. It is difficult to envisage how court procedures and orders could overcome these problems and charging these children in court is not recommended. It is proposed that the responsible Government agencies examine the findings of this study and consider possible changes in Police practice, CYPS practice, and inter-agency co-operation. A number of possibilities are identified for further research.
Keywords: alcohol, case processing, crime prevention, criminal behaviour, enforcement, ethnic issues, gender issues, legislation impacts, Maori, offences, offenders, police, prosecution, recidivism, rehabilitation, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Child sexual abuse services
RESEARCH
Done by: University of Canterbury
Funded by: University of Canterbury
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date February 1997
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: "Ambitions and realities": the co-ordination of services for child sexual abuse: an enquiry into how local services interface in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the area of child sexual abuse
Author(s): Dawson, Karen
Completed: NO, planned completion date February 1997
Availability: In-house University of Canterbury publication, possibly also in National Association of Social Work Journal.
Description: The enquiry will begin with the Children and Young Persons Service (CYPS), and from there it will become clear to whom and from whom referrals for CYPS occur, and this will indicate interfaces to explore. 12-15 managers of services will be selected for interview. The aims of the research will be to explore the interfaces between services for child sexual abuse, develop knowledge of practice and policy issues locally in such a context, compare with overseas findings for parallels and differences and draw conclusions relevant to services in Christchurch. The results will be presented qualitatively.
Keywords: child sexual abuse, community safety, collaboration, co-ordination, crime prevention, domestic violence, education, inter-agency, inter-disciplinary, lawyers, legislation impacts, police, restorative justice, sexual abuse, system efficiency/effectiveness
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Children and family violence
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of the Commissioner for Children, and Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project (HAIP)
Funded by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: Completed
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Children and family violence: the unnoticed victims
Author(s): Maxwell, Gabrielle M.
Completed: YES, May 1994
Availability: Office of the Commissioner for Children Occasional Paper No. 3, May 1994. ISSN 1173-0463, ISBN 0-9597995-7-5. Also published in Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 1994; 1(2)
Description: This study examines the extent to which children are involved in incidents of family violence attended by the police. It describes how often children are present, what they are likely to see and hear, and what the consequences are likely to be for them. It raises policy questions about responses to family violence involving children.
Keywords: domestic violence, victims, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Discipline in the home
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Funded by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Method: Literature review, quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Physical punishment in the home in New Zealand
Author(s): Maxwell, Gabrielle M.
Completed: YES
Availability: Office of the Commissioner for Children Occasional Paper No. 2, September 1993. ISSN 1173-0463, ISBN 0-9597995-6-7. Also in Australian Journal of Social Issues, August 1995; 30(3) 291-209. ISSN 0157-6321
Description: ABSTRACT. Results are reported for a national opinion poll of 1,000 adult New Zealanders which focused on two questions: what are New Zealand parents currently doing to discipline their children, and what are the current attitudes of New Zealanders towards physical punishment in the home? Changes appear to be occurring in the attitudes and behaviour of New Zealanders toward physical punishment in the home. Although smacking with the hand is still both approved and used as a common parental response to the misbehaviour of children of all ages, anything more severe is no longer part of the repertoire of most parents or the experience of most children. Further evidence of change is provided by data on difference among the groups in the sample. Younger parents, current parents and the more highly educated are less likely to report using and endorsing the more severe forms of physical punishment than those who are older, have never had children, or who have less education. Unlike the reported child-rearing practices of 30 years ago, parents today appear to be making use of a range of non-physical responses to misbehaviour and are more frequently explaining or discussing matters with their children.
Keywords: children, domestic violence, punishment, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Discipline of children
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: -
Method: Literature review, qualitative study
Status: Completed
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: The discipline of children: alternatives to smacking
Author(s): Russell, Marie Louise
Completed: YES, 1996
Availability: Victoria University of Wellington Library.
Description: ABSTRACT [abridged]. This thesis identifies the alternatives to smacking promoted by parent-educators, and examines why parents reject smacking, and which alternatives they use. Physical punishment of children by their parents is permitted in New Zealand, but in recent years there has been public debate over the desirability of smacking, and promotion of alternatives. A feminist approach underlies the research. Most parenting work is done by women, however the research did not exclude men.... Qualitative research methods were used. Thirteen parent-educators and nine parents in the Wellington area were interviewed, mostly well-educated pakeha... Their children's ages ranged from one to 13 and there was a range of family types...literature on problems of smacking, its connection to other violence and its implications for the individual and for society is reviewed.... Suggestions are given as to how ideas about using alternatives to smacking could be disseminated. Recommendations conclude the report: supporting a media campaign, education about parenting, better services for parents and families, and repeal of S.59 of the Crimes Act.
Keywords: attitudes, domestic violence, children, children's rights, parenting
Notes: M.A.(applied) thesis at Victoria University of Wellington.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Keeping Ourselves Safe I
RESEARCH
Done by: NZ Police Youth Education Service, and authors
Funded by: NZ Police
Method: Quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Keeping ourselves safe: a study of New Zealand school children aged 10-12 years and their parents
Author(s): Briggs, Freda and Russell Hawkins
Completed: YES, May 1996
Availability: Contact NZ Police College Library, Porirua.
Description: An evaluation of the "Keeping Ourselves Safe" (Police Youth Education Service) programme in schools. 252 children and 142 parents were interviewed from 10 New Zealand intermediate schools.
Keywords: education, Police Youth Education Service, sexual abuse, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Keeping Ourselves Safe II
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: NZ Police
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: Completed
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Child protection programmes: what do children learn and remember?: "Keeping Ourselves Safe - an evaluation with follow-up
Author(s): Perniskie, Louise M.
Completed: YES, 1995
Availability: Victoria University of Wellington Library
Description: ABSTRACT. Child sexual abuse prevention programmes, although widely implemented, have lacked empirical validation. The present study evaluated the prevention programme "Keeping Ourselves Safe" (KOS). A quasi-experimental untreated control group (n=55) design with pre-test, post-test and follow-up (Cook & Campbell, 1976) was used to determine children's learning and retention of prevention concepts after programme participation. Children (n=137) from three schools participating in the programme were assessed using the Children's Knowledge of Abuse Questionnaire (CKAQ) (Tutty, in press). In addition, vignettes determined if children could distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate situations. Their verbal and behavioural responses to these situations were also examined. A questionnaire for parents assessed whether children's gains in knowledge were affected by their family background, previous exposure to sex education or discussion about sexual abuse. Results indicated that all children involved in the programme showed significant increases in knowledge at post-test, and further increases at six week follow-up. When children with high pre-test scores were excluded from the analysis, it was found that older children (10-12 years) learned and retained more than younger children (5-6 years). Children who knew the least prior to programme participation learned and retained the most. Older children (7-12 years) in the control group also made significant gains in knowledge at post-test. This result suggests an effect of questioning and therefore these children cannot be considered a true control group. Individual item analyses however indicate that control children made gains only on a limited number of prevention concepts. Responses to the vignettes demonstrate that after participating in the programme more children would tell someone about inappropriate situations. Children's behavioural responses decreased. "Control" children did not show any significant changes in vignette responses. Correlations with the parents' responses demonstrate that children's previous exposure to sex education and discussion about sexual abuse affects children's learning and retention. The present study provides support for formal prevention education and for KOS. A prevention model should arguably also include prior sex education and parent education.
Keywords: education, Police Youth Education Service, sexual abuse, youth
Notes: M.A. in Psychology thesis, Victoria University of Wellington.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Manaaki Rangatahi Katoa
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit with Kere Kere Safer Community Council
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, pilot programme evaluation
Status: Completed
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Evaluation of the Manaaki Rangatahi Katoa Programme
Author(s): Russell, Gaye
Completed: YES, October 1995
Availability: Contact Crime Prevention Unit, P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Evaluation of the Manaaki Rangatahi Katoa Programme, a marae-based truancy programme. The aim of this programme is to give identified young people the opportunity to learn new skills, increase self esteem, and re-engage in school. The target group is college students identified by college, their families, or both, as being at risk of school failure. Programme description: a self discovery, management and business skills programme, specifically designed for Rangatahi, administered by Nga Pua o te Ora Inc.
Keywords: alternative education, alternative justice systems, attitudes, behavioural problems, crime prevention, criminal behaviour, drugs, education, forecasting and modelling, Maori, rehabilitation, truancy, youth, youth at risk
Notes: Author is a child therapist and family counsellor employed by the Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service, Levin.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Maori and youth justice
RESEARCH
Done by: Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington)
Funded by: Department of Social Welfare
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Maori and youth justice in New Zealand
Author(s): Olsen, T., G.M. Maxwell, and A. Morris
Completed: YES
Availability: Chapter in Popular justice and community regeneration: pathways of indigenous reform, K. Hazelhurst (Ed.). Chapter 3:45-66. Westport, USA: Praeger, 1995. ISBN 0-275-95131-6
Description: INTRODUCTION. New Zealand has introduced a system of youth justice which attempts to integrate indigenous and western justice processes. This chapter describes this system and evaluates the extent to which the system has responded to the needs and wishes of Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Attempts to incorporate elements of indigenous systems of justice within western systems of justice have tended to take the form of token gestures: for instance by allowing indigenous groups to resolve minor disputes within their own communities. The New Zealand system of youth justice, implemented in the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989, explicitly recognises cultural diversity and the need for criminal justice processes to be both culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive. Its aim is to develop a system of justice which allows different ethnic groups to resolve matters in customary settings, to use customary procedures and to have access to culturally appropriate services. Although this approach is intended to apply equally to all cultural groups, the focus of this article is to assess the extent to which the act has succeeded in providing a justice system which is culturally appropriate and sensitive for Maori.
Keywords: adjudication, alternative justice systems, criminal behaviour, human rights, lawyers, legislation impacts, judiciary, Maori, rehabilitation, reparation, restorative justice, sentencing, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Murals programme in Marlborough
RESEARCH
Done by: Marlborough Rural Education Assistance Programme (Ministry of Education)
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit via Marlborough Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Murals for Marlborough Project Two evaluation
Author(s): Marlborough REAP
Completed: YES
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report, July 1996.
Contact Crime Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Evaluation of a project involving youth at risk in a mural painting programme, designed to enhance their self esteem and prevent future offending as well as reducing graffiti in the town.
Keywords: crime prevention, graffiti, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
New Way Skinhead Project
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit via Christchurch Safer Community Council
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, pilot programme evaluation
Status: Completed
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Evaluation of the New Way Trust Skinhead Project
Author(s): Addison, Rasjad
Completed: YES, September 1995
Availability: Contact Crime Prevention Unit, P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Evaluation of youth worker project utilising ex-skinheads to work with skinheads not associated with gangs to positively address anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol problems, unemployment and poor education attainment.
Keywords: alcohol, crime prevention, drugs, rehabilitation, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
North Clyde School programme
RESEARCH
Done by: Education Review Office
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit with Wairoa Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study, established programme evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Contractual report: North Clyde School home liaison service, an after-school and holidays activity programme
Author(s): Education Review Office
Completed: YES
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report. Contact Crime
Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Process and outcome evaluation of service delivery, management, networking etc.
Keywords: crime prevention, domestic violence, education, family support
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Otautahi school attendance programme
RESEARCH
Done by: Crime Prevention Unit
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit via Christchurch Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study, pilot programme evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Attending to truancy: a review of the school attendance programme provided by the Christchurch/Otautahi Maori Wardens Sub-association during its first year
Author(s): Kidd, J.W.
Completed: YES, October 1995
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report, October 1995.
Contact Crime Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Describes how service was established, its structures and their appropriateness to the objectives, relationship between service and schools and efficiency of workers. Provides recommendations based on evaluation findings.
Keywords: crime prevention, education, Maori, truancy, youth
Notes: Relates to Government funded service, Ministry of Education Contestable Truancy Fund.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Police Youth Education Service
RESEARCH
Done by: Education Review Office
Funded by: NZ Police
Method: Established programme evaluation
Status: [Completed]
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: National overview evaluation of the New Zealand Police Youth Education Service
Author(s): Education Review Office
Completed: YES, June 1996
Availability: Contact NZ Police College Library, Porirua.
Description: Measure of the effectiveness of Youth Education Service (YES) delivered by police. Programme content analysis and interview based research. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY [excerpt]. The YES is designed to play a significant role in building safer communities through preventative and pro-active education of young people. This evaluation concluded that while the YES curriculum is generally of high quality and appropriate for its stated purpose, there are weaknesses in the management of implementation that significantly limit its overall impact... Recommendations are made with the intention of strengthening the YES, and providing personnel with strategies for managing change and enhancing service quality.
Keywords: community safety, crime prevention, education, Police Youth Education Service, system efficiency/effectiveness, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Reconvictions after family group conferences
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of Commissioner for Children, and Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington)
Funded by: Office of Commissioner for Children, and Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington)
Method: Quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Family group conferences and reconviction
Author(s): Morris A. and G.M. Maxwell
Completed: NO
Availability: Planned publication in ANZ Journal of Criminology, 1996
Description: ABSTRACT. Reconviction information was obtained on 162 young offenders some years after a family group conference had been held to consider their youthful offending. The results showed that only 26% were reconvicted within one year. After four years and three months, 64% of the original sample had been reconvicted at least once but only 27% had been persistently reconvicted. The one year reconviction rate is better than that reported in many studies. On the other hand, the long term reconviction rates are not dissimilar to those reported in an earlier re-offending study of juveniles in New Zealand and in a study of reappearances among young Australian offenders. Predictors of reconviction included the number and seriousness of offences, previous offending and ethnicity. In addition, some support was given to the hypothesis that restorative justice processes may reduce the likelihood of reconviction. Broader frameworks for conceptualising the factors underlying re-offending are proposed for future research.
Keywords: alternative justice systems, legislation impacts, Maori, recidivism, reconvictions, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Rethinking youth justice
RESEARCH
Done by: Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington)
Funded by: -
Method: Critical comment
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Rethinking youth justice: for better or worse
Author(s): Maxwell, G.M. and A. Morris
Completed: YES
Availability: Victoria University of Wellington Institute of Criminology Occasional Paper No. 3. 177pp
Description: Comments on proposals by the New Zealand Children and Young Persons Service to amalgamate youth justice and care and protection services.
Keywords: system efficiency/effectiveness, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Rights, needs and responsibilities
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: -
Method: Qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Rights, needs and responsibilities of youth
Author(s): Thom, Alison
Completed: YES, 1995
Availability: Social Work Now: The Practice Journal of the New Zealand Children and Young Persons Service, April 1996; 3:29-32. ISSN 1173-4906. Additionally published in the papers presented at the 5th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse, 16-19 October, 1995, on disc.
Description: ABSTRACT. The powerlessness and restricted rights of youth is recognised throughout Western cultures. The argument regarding the rights versus the needs of youth continues. In New Zealand the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989 adds a further dimension to this argument with its clear principles of youth and in part family responsibility for offending. This legislation places value on the rights of victims of youth offences to be heard and compensated. While this youth offending legislation has had positive effects in the use of diversionary practices and inclusion of families in the process there is every sign that the principle of responsibility is encouraging a societal view of youth as disproportionately responsible for the ills of its crime and a convenient scapegoat. The responsibility factor has to a degree, over-ridden the attention that in the past has been given to the needs and rights of youth, specifically their rights to care and protection as is also defined in the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act. Three case studies from my recent work experience, evidence some increasing resentment of youth and the system's inability to influence or quell that attitude. This is despite New Zealand having some effective advocates for youth through such offices as the Commissioner for Children, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Youth Law Project.
Keywords: attitudes, human rights, legislation impacts, youth, youth rights
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Risk-taking behaviours
RESEARCH
Done by: Injury Prevention Research Centre (The University of Auckland)
Funded by: Northern Regional Health Authority
Method: Quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Results of a youth risk-taking survey
Author(s): Coggan, C., P. Patterson, B. Disley and R. Norton
Completed: YES
Availability: Injury Prevention Research Centre Report Series No. 13, 1995. ISSN 1173-1443. Available through Injury Prevention Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland.
Description: An initial step in designing strategies to address risk-taking requires information on the level and range of such behaviours. The aim of this survey was to obtain information to assist a community in developing strategies to enhance the health and well-being of its young people and to provide policy makers with information on the extent and range of youth risk-taking behaviours. The results of the study represent one of the most comprehensive examinations of health-harming behaviours exclusively focused on New Zealand youth undertaken to date. It found that many young people are engaged in high levels of risk-taking behaviours, such as not wearing helmets when riding bicycles and motorcycles, consuming alcohol on a weekly basis, not using contraceptives, carrying weapons, and contemplating self-harm.
Keywords: alcohol, drugs, risk-taking behaviour, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Sexual abuse medical assessment
RESEARCH
Done by: Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care, Paediatric Department, Wellington School of Medicine
Funded by: -
Method: Quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, in planning stages
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: National database of medical assessment for alleged child sexual abuse
Author(s): Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care
Completed: NO
Availability: -
Description:
Keywords: children and young persons, health, sexual abuse, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Te Kaupapa Whakaora
RESEARCH
Done by: University of Canterbury Department of Education
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit, and University of Canterbury
Method: Qualitative study, pilot programme evaluation
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date late 1996
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Te Kaupapa Whakaora: a preliminary evaluation
Author(s): Whelan, John and Mark Larson
Completed: NO, planned completion date late 1996
Availability: Contact Crime Prevention Unit, P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Evaluation of an alternative programme based at Papanui High School for youth at risk of offending or with offending history.
Keywords: at-risk youth, education, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Te Kuru Pounamu
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit via Christchurch Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Te Kuru Pounamu: an evaluation of the youth project, May 1996
Author(s): MacGibbon, Lesley
Completed: YES, May 1996
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report, May 1996. Contact
Crime Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Qualitative process and outcome evaluation of Raupapa Manama course offered by Te Kuru Pounamu, a trust operating under Ngai Tahu Trust. Education achievement programme for Maori Youth.
Keywords: crime prevention, Maori, youth, youth at risk
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Te Whakapakari Youth Programme
RESEARCH
Done by: Massey University Psychology Department
Funded by: Massey University
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, established programme evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Wilderness therapy with Te Whakapakari Youth Programme
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES
Availability: Journal of Community Mental Health in New Zealand, 1996; 9(2):43-52
Description: ABSTRACT. Following a month long phase of participant-observation with Te Whakapakari Youth Programme this article discusses the merits and pitfalls of wilderness therapy programmes for behaviourally problematic and emotionally distressed youth. Issues concerning therapeutic elements of Whakapakari, problems with target populations, the post-programme benefits of healthy living, the role and needs of supervisors, cultural learning and personal development, programme duration and post-programme difficulties are discussed. It is concluded that wilderness therapy programmes such as Whakapakari provide a positive alternative for coping with such youth.
Keywords: alternative justice systems, drugs, ethnic issues, gender issues, programmes, rehabilitation, youth
Notes:
Title: Adolescent talk on rehabilitation: relationship centred benefits of a wilderness therapy programme
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES, 1996
Availability: Under review for publication in Community Mental Health in New Zealand. Contact author, Mr Erin J. Eggleston, Psychology Department, Massey University, Palmerston North.
Description: ABSTRACT. Eighteen months after a phase of participant-observation with Te Whakapakari Youth Programme (Great Barrier Island, New Zealand), 10 behaviourally problematic and/or emotionally disturbed young persons were interviewed about aspects of the programme which have been important in their lives. Participants describe the benefits derived from the experience of whaanau, helping, talking, listening, trusting, respecting and learning disciplined working.
Keywords: alternative justice systems, ethnic issues, recidivism, rehabilitation, youth
Notes:
Title: Adolescent talk on crime, drugs and fighting
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES
Availability: Under review for publication in Culture and Psychology, 1996. Contact author, Mr Erin J. Eggleston, Psychology Department, Massey University, Palmerston North.
Description: ABSTRACT. Eighteen months after a phase of participant-observation with Te Whakapakari Youth Programme (Great Barrier Island, New Zealand), 10 young persons were interviewed regarding referral factors and post-programme experiences. Preliminary findings are presented concerning participant talk on crime, drugs and fighting.
Keywords: alcohol, alternative justice systems, attitudes, crime prevention, criminal behaviour, drugs, education, ethnic issues, gender issues, Maori, Pacific Islands peoples, recidivism, rehabilitation, violent crime, youth
Notes:
Title: Boy's talk: exploring gender discussions within the gang
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES
Availability: Published as PhD thesis (November 1996); journal publication planned
Description: ABSTRACT. The purpose of this paper is to explore how 43 Auckland based male gang members (mean age = 15.8) talk about their female peers. Three themes ("caring for women", "gangs are for men" and "hoods and bitches") are illustrated and discussed with regard to function, interaction and contradiction in gang life. It is concluded that boys talk within the gang, while overtly sexist, is a contextual manifestation of the cultural resources young men are offered to construct and act within their social world.
Keywords: boy's talk, gangs, gender issues, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Truancy in Marlborough
RESEARCH
Done by: Marlborough Safer Community Group
Funded by: Marlborough Safer Community Group, and Ministry of Education
Method: Qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date September 1996
UBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Report on truancy at intermediate and secondary level in the
Marlborough District
Author(s): Crockett, S.
Completed: NO, planned completion date September 1996
Availability: Will be available from Marlborough Safer Community Group, P O Box 443, Blenheim.
Description: [Not provided]
Keywords: attitudes, community safety, crime prevention, education, legislation impacts, Maori, school attendance, system efficiency/effectiveness, truancy, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Truancy programme in Ashburton
RESEARCH
Done by: Author
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit via Ashburton Safer Community
Council, and
Ministry of Education
Method: Qualitative study, formative and process evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: A community initiative to enhance school attendance and reduce the incidence of truancy in Mid-Canterbury
Author(s): Kerr, Anne
Completed: YES, May 1996
Availability: Contact Crime Prevention Unit, P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Evaluation of Ashburton Community Education Resource Project, a community initiative to enhance school attendance and reduce the incidence of truancy.
Keywords: crime prevention, education, truancy, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth gang membership
RESEARCH
Done by: Massey University Psychology Department
Funded by: Massey University
Method: Literature review, qualitative study
Status: IN PROGRESS, expected completion date November 1996
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Hangin' with the gang: key themes of youth gang membership from an Auckland based ethnography study
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES
Availability: Accepted for presentation at Psychological Society Conference 1996, Criminal Justice Symposium.
Description: ABSTRACT. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the key themes of gang membership described by a sample of Auckland based gang members. Data drawn from 45 interviews with gang members in gang and institutional settings (mean age = 15.8) within an ethnographic framework. A thematic analysis uncovered membership themes of trouble, vulnerability, protection and affiliation and joining themes reflect ideas of destiny and decision making.
Keywords: attitudes, gender issues, youth, youth gangs
Notes:
Title: Narrative of experiences with an Auckland youth gang
Author(s): Eggleston, Erin J.
Completed: YES
Availability: Unpublished as yet.
Description: ABSTRACT. The aim of this narrative is to present an ethnographic slice of life and a reflexive account of my fieldwork with a neighbourhood gang in Auckland. This story allows the reader to view the gang through the eyes of a participant-observer and experience some of the excitement, frustration, emotion, and thought provoking experiences that ethnographic fieldwork engenders.
Keywords: community corrections, offenders, parole decision making, recidivism, risk assessment, sentencing, sentencing effectiveness
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth justice
RESEARCH
Done by: Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington)
Funded by: Social Policy Agency (Department of Social Welfare)
Method: Literature review, qualitative study, quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Families, victims and culture: youth justice in New Zealand
Author(s): Maxwell, Gabrielle M. and Allison Morris
Completed: YES
Availability: Social Policy Agency Research Series No. 14, 1993. ISBN 0-478-06002-5. Contact The Secretary, Institute of Criminology, Victoria University of Wellington, P O Box 600, Wellington. A summary of the findings and an account of the policy implications of the study presented in Policy Issues from "Family, victims and culture: youth justice in New Zealand", a paper in Social Policy Journal of New Zealand No. 1, November 1993.
Description: The research evaluates the effectiveness of the Youth Justice provisions of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989, by collecting data on 692 young people who came to police attention in 1990-91. Information was collected on 203 Family Group Conferences, and young people, family members and professionals were interviewed. Information is presented on 70 court cases. The research evaluates the extent to which the Act is meeting objectives. Findings show families, young people, and victims are being more successfully involved than in the past. Accountability is being achieved; culture is often respected. However, issues of effective practice are raised.
Keywords: adjudication, alternative justice systems, courts, criminal behaviour, enforcement, gender issues, human rights, lawyers, legislation impacts, judiciary, Maori, offences, offenders, Pacific Island peoples, police, property offences, prosecution, recidivism, rehabilitation, reparation, restorative justice, sentence administration, sentencing, system efficiency/effectiveness, victims, youth
Notes:
Title: Deciding about justice for young people in New Zealand: the involvement of families, victims and culture
Author(s): Maxwell, G.M. and A. Morris
Completed: YES
Availability: In Child welfare in Canada: research and policy implications. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing. ISBN 1-55077-071-3. Chapter 14; 168-91. Two other similar articles are (1) Morris, Allison, and Gabrielle M. Maxwell, Juvenile justice in New Zealand: a new paradigm, in Australia and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, March 1993; 26:72-90. ISSN 0004-8658 and (2) Maxwell, G.M. and A. Morris, The New Zealand model of family group conferences, in Family group conferencing and juvenile justice: the way forward or misplaced optimism?, Alder C. and J. Wundersitz (Eds). Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 1994. ISBN 0-642-19881-0
Description: ABSTRACT. This study describes the system of juvenile justice adopted in New Zealand under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989. The Act sets out objectives and principles which stress a number of innovative features including the integration of a western and an indigenous approach; the empowerment of families and young people; the involvement of victims; and group consensus decision-making. The principal mechanism for achieving these objectives is the Family Group Conference which replaces or supplements the Youth Court as the principal decision-making forum in most of the more serious cases. Police involvement in decision-making is also increased by a greater emphasis on diversion and by their role in reaching agreements in the family group conference. Research data are presented which enable an evaluation of the extent to which the Act is meeting its objectives. The tensions in the system are discussed: particularly the issue of victim involvement versus an offender focus and the conflict between accountability and welfare.
Keywords: alternative justice systems, offenders, prosecution, victims, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth justice and family group conferences
RESEARCH
Done by: Institute of Criminology (Victoria University of Wellington), in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Children
Funded by: Department of Social Welfare
Method: Quantitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Family group conferences: perspectives on policy and practice
Author(s): Galway, B., J. Hudson, G.M. Maxwell and A. Morris
Completed: YES
Availability: The Federation Press, 1996. ISBN 1 86287 201 5
(paperback),
ISBN 1 86287 208 2 (hardback)
Description: ABSTRACT available on request. DESCRIPTION from book jacket: This book assesses the principles and practices of family group conferences in the juvenile justice and child protection systems... All the chapters emphasise the values that distinguish family group conferences from conventional mechanisms for making decisions about young people who are in need of care and protection or who commit offences. In brief, these are: respecting the integrity of the family unit, including the extended family; strengthening family and community supports; sharing power between the state and families; creating opportunities for parents to feel responsible for their children and themselves; and showing sensitivity and respect for families' cultures. For those family group conferences that deal with young offenders, additional key values are: providing opportunities for victims of crime to have a voice in how those who have offended against them should be dealt with and to receive redress; and for offenders to be held accountable for their actions and to make amends. Critical questions about the practice and potential of family group conferences are also explored.
Keywords: alternative justice systems, courts, crime statistics, crime prevention, criminal behaviour, enforcement, ethnic issues, gender issues, human rights, lawyers, legislation impacts, Maori, offences, offenders, Pacific Islands peoples, police, recidivism, rehabilitation, reparation, restorative justice, sentence administration, sentencing, system efficiency/effectiveness, victims, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth justice, rights and responsibilities
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Funded by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Method: Literature review, qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Youth justice: rights and responsibilities
Author(s): Maxwell, Gabrielle M.
Completed: YES
Availability: In Rights and responsibilities. Wellington: International Year of the Family Committee, in association with the Office of the Commissioner for Children, 1995. ISBN 0 478 06019-X
Description: This paper examines youth justice law and practice in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Treaty of Waitangi, and examines how current economic policy is providing the required support for the youth justice policies which we have either adopted or which are mandated under our international and Treaty obligations. Within the youth justice system there are three principle parties to be considered: the young person, the family and the state. Although little has been said about this already, the New Zealand Act makes it clear that the young person has a responsibility to be accountable for offending and, in particular, these obligations are spelled out with respect to the victims of any offence.
Keywords: funding, human rights, resources, sentence administration, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth legislation appraisal
RESEARCH
Done by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Funded by: Office of the Commissioner for Children
Method: Literature review, qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: An appraisal of the first year: of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989
Author(s): Hassal, Ian B., Gabrielle M. Maxwell, Jeremy P. Robertson and Allison Morris
Completed: YES, 1991
Availability: Wellington: Office of the Commissioner for Children, 1991. ISBN 0-9597995-1-6
Description: This report contains three papers. The first paper [The family group conference], examines the family group conference as an innovative method of involving families in statutory care and protection and youth justice processes. It discusses some of the potential problems of such an approach and some of the concerns that have been expressed to date. It also presents some of the advantages. The second paper [Statistics on the first year] presents statistical data for the year 1990 on the disposition of children and young people who came to attention, under either the care and protection or youth justice provisions of the Act. In that year 3715 care and protection family group conferences and 5851 youth justice family group conferences were held. Agreement as to a plan, recommendation, or decision was reached in 91% and 94% of these family group conferences. The family group conference plans are categorised in the paper so that a general view of the disposition of the children and young people can be gained. Caution is needed, however, in interpreting these since much of the effectiveness of family group conference decision making rests on the detail of the plans and the manner in which they are carried out. The outcome in terms of the child's or young person's well-being or the salutary effect of the process in other respects must be determined by future research. The third paper [Juvenile crime and the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989] compares the pattern of juvenile crime in the last quarter of 1989 and the first quarter of 1990, with that which existed previously. The rate of detection and type of offending and the ethnicity, age and gender distribution of the offenders were unchanged, but there was a sharp reduction in the number of arrests, court appearances, convictions and court orders. The great majority of offenders were dealt with by police warnings and diversionary measures, and by family group conferences rather by judicial processes.
Keywords: adjudication, gender issues, legislation impacts, Maori, offences, offenders, Pacific Islands peoples, sentencing, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth suicide
RESEARCH
Done by: Injury Prevention Research Centre (The University of Auckland)
Funded by: Northern Regional Health Authority
Method: Qualitative study
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: A qualitative investigation into youth suicide
Author(s): C. Coggan
Completed: YES
Availability: Injury Prevention Research Centre Report Series No. 12, 1994; Auckland: The University of Auckland. ISSN 1173-1443
Description: The purpose of this study was to obtain from young people their own views on ways to address youth suicide. In particular, this investigation illustrated the methodology of using focus groups to enhance knowledge of ways to reduce youth suicide. The study highlighted a range of strategies that may have implications for the planning of future health promotion programmes.
Keywords: suicide, youth
Notes:
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth worker project in Masterton
RESEARCH
Done by: Masterton Safer Community Council
Funded by: Crime Prevention Unit with Masterton Safer Community Council
Method: Qualitative study, pilot programme evaluation
Status: Completed
PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Title: Masterton youth worker evaluation
Author(s): Healthy Communities, Masterton
Completed: YES, 1995
Availability: Crime Prevention Unit Report. Contact Crime
Prevention Unit,
P O Box 55, Wellington.
Description: Process and outcome evaluation of project.
Keywords: crime prevention, youth, youth at risk, youth worker
Notes:
