Youth Court Lay Advocates

What a Youth Court Lay Advocate does

Lay Advocates appear in the Youth Court in support of a child or young person who is appearing before the Court charged with an offence. They are not lawyers and are appointed by the Court under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. As a statutory appointment, Lay Advocates are not employed by, or contracted to, the Ministry of Justice or the Court. Lay Advocates are independent service providers and are not covered by the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Appointment of Youth Court Lay Advocates

Occasionally, a court may advertise for new Lay Advocates. Lay Advocates can be appointed to be available for one court or across several courts within a region. 

Youth Court Lay Advocate and Court Registry Handbook

This handbook provides information and guidance on all aspects of the Youth Court Lay Advocate role, including:

  • the appointment process
  • activities the Lay Advocate may undertake
  • health and safety requirements
  • payment for services
  • the complaints process.

Read a copy of the Youth Court Lay Advocate and Court Registry Handbook [PDF, 839 KB]

 
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