4. JUDY TURNER (Deputy Leader—United Future) Link to this
to the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (CYF)
Does she agree with Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft that holding teenagers accused of crimes in police holding cells is unacceptable; if so, what options is the Government planning?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (CYF)) Link to this
I do agree that holding young people in police cells for longer than 24 hours is unacceptable. That is why over the last 12 months we have opened a new residence in Canterbury, providing an additional 12 beds, with a further eight beds planned for December; established a further six beds, three in South Auckland and three in Dunedin; promoted supervision with activity; promoted a supported bail option; commissioned a new youth justice residence in Bay of Plenty to further increase bed numbers; and we are building three transition units attached to each youth justice facility.
Is it feasible or acceptable to monitor young offenders through the use of supervised remand at home and electronic bracelets, as suggested by Judge Becroft, in home environments frequently unable to control the offending behaviours in the first place?
In my view, and I believe that it is a view shared by Judge Becroft, that would not be an appropriate environment in which to promote monitoring at home.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
Can the Minister explain what longer-term options are being considered; if so, when they will happen?
Yes, I can. Longer-term options being considered include developing assessment tools for the Youth Court, which will be in place as soon as they are signed off by the appropriate officials; encouraging quicker turn-round of specialists’ reports, which is being implemented now; and the use of home detention in appropriate situations—as I mentioned in answer to the most recent supplementary question.
Anne TolleyWhy, when 330 young people were held in police cells for more than 24 hours in the first 6 months of this year, a 16-year old accused will spend his second night in a police cell because of a waiting list to get into a youth justice residence, the average occupation of three youth justice residences over the last 2 years has been 99 to 100 percent, violent youth crime is on the increase, and no new youth justice beds will be built this year or next—with all this happening—is the Minister doing nothing?
As I said in the answer to the primary question, in the last 12 months there have been an additional 12 beds in Canterbury, an additional three in south Auckland, an additional three in Dunedin, and here will be a further eight in Canterbury this year. As the member may well know, a proper process of consultation has to be gone through—as we have been doing in Waikato - Bay of Plenty—in order to provide a facility that is supported by the local community as well. It would be really good if that member supported building of youth justice facilities instead of constantly coming into this House and undermining the progress.
Ron MarkIs the Minister aware of comments made by Judge Andrew Becroft on 27 February stating that: “Serious crime committed by young people is becoming more savage and early intervention is vital to reducing youth crime”, and would she not agree that there is no place more suited to violent young savages than a police cell or a prison?
I agree with the first part of the member’s question, but I actually disagree with him on the second part. A police cell is not an appropriate long-term detention facility in which to either punish or rehabilitate an offender.
Tariana TuriaWhat has this Minister done to increase the use of supervision with activity rather than supervision with residence, as Judge Becroft asked, and what are the increased numbers in supervision with activity?
I certainly support the tenor of the member’s question. I am a strong supporter of supervision with activity as well. I do not have the increased figures, but the primary focus of Child, Youth and Family in this area has been on specific and ongoing promotion of supervision with activity where it is appropriate.
Considering the concerns expressed by Judge Becroft, does she consider Child, Youth and Family Services sufficiently resourced for the youth justice work it is mandated to carry out?
Yes, I do. Any implementation of any of the areas I outlined, in the short term, medium term, or long term, are not delayed because of lack of resources. They are delayed because of ensuring that the entire policy work, research work, and, obviously, planning work are done appropriately.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Can I ask the Minister what reports she has received that the criminal community, particularly hardened criminals, had a collective knee-tremble when they heard that Tony Ryall had been appointed to get tough on crime?
Madam SPEAKERRt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister is responsible for certain aspects of criminality and penal policy responses. I do not think that question is out of order at all. I am asking what happened in the criminal community when its members heard that Tony Ryall was going to get tough on crime.