New Directions in Restorative Justice

Chapter 3

Achieving effective outcomes in youth justice: implications of new research for principles, policy and practice

Gabrielle Maxwell

Abstract

New research from New Zealand follows up the file outcomes over three years for 1,003 young people aged 16 years who had family group conferences in 1998. Five hundred and twenty of them were interviewed. Observational data and interviews were collected from another 115 cases in 2001/2002. The findings are presented on the extent to which restorative goals have been implemented. Critical factors predicting outcomes are identified and the implications of these for policy and practice are discussed. The research demonstrates that the nature of the youth justice system does affect critical outcomes ...