Te Ako Rangatahi - Team Presentation

This morning, we had the privilege of participating in a staff hui facilitated by Te Ako Rangatahi, our dedicated rangatahi mentoring team. It was a profound experience that shed light on the challenges and opportunities within Aotearoa's youth justice system, as well as the critical importance of providing effective support for our rangatahi.

The session began with Simon offering a comprehensive overview of youth justice in Aotearoa. Through an illuminating Power Point presentation (see below), he guided us through the processes involved and offered insights into the future direction of youth justice in Aotearoa. Simon's presentation not only provided valuable information including what an FGC is and an inside look at youth justice residences that shares on the experiences of what many of the rangatahi go through and why they end up in our services. This then sparked thought-provoking discussions about the struggles faced and the ways in which we can better serve our rangatahi within this current framework.

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Following Simon's presentation, Laura delved into the challenges surrounding alternative education, drawing upon an article from Newshub that highlighted concerns on the closure of the acclaimed Kauri Centre for Troubled Youth, which underscores the importance of tailored educational support for vulnerable youth and prompted us to consider how we can better advocate for and provide resources to address these challenges.

Laura's insights into the challenges facing alternative education, particularly with the closure of institutions like the Kauri Centre, shed light on a troubling reality for many rangatahi. With fewer educational opportunities available, young people who are undiagnosed with learning disabilities or behavioral issues often find themselves without appropriate support in mainstream or alternative education settings. As a result, they may struggle to engage in schooling and may even face exclusion due to disruptive behavior. This lack of support not only limits their academic prospects but also increases their vulnerability to negative outcomes.

During the hui, a poignant question was raised: "What do they do if they don't have anywhere they can go?" The team's response underscored the critical role that mentoring plays in filling this gap, providing a consistent source of engagement and support for young people who may otherwise be at risk of offending. Additionally, the team identified a concerning trend: many rangatahi reoffend due to the drop-off in wrap-around supports once they complete their intervention plan. Without ongoing intensive support, they may feel compelled to return to offending behavior to regain the support they need. These insights highlight the urgent need for sustained, comprehensive support systems that address the complex needs of vulnerable youth and reduce their risk of reoffending.

Greer then took the floor to address the pressing issue of behavior management and mental health within the youth justice system. Following a short clip explaining how emotions and the teenage brain work, giving valuable insights into the unique needs of rangatahi and the importance of providing them with the right support to address their mental health issues effectively. Greer shared about a rangatahi she has previously mentored and the mental health struggles this young wahine was going through at the time. She was consistently failed by those caring for her as they did not have the adequate training to address her serious mental health issues. Eventually, Greer had to step away from mentoring her as she was becoming to high risk to continue engaging with.

This kōrero served as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that mental health plays in the lives of our rangatahi. It underscored the urgent need for comprehensive, holistic approaches that prioritise mental well-being alongside behavioral interventions. Greer's experience highlighted the shortcomings of the current system and emphasised the imperative of investing in training and resources to equip caregivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to support rangatahi effectively. By prioritising mental health and adopting a holistic approach to youth justice, we can create a more nurturing and supportive environment that fosters the growth and well-being of our rangatahi.

Throughout the hui, there were lively discussions and thought-provoking questions from our staff, many of whom shared their own experiences and challenges in working with the systems and frameworks that unfortunately have many gaps and inadequacies. It became clear that while we face our own obstacles, our most vulnerable community members are the rangatahi that Te Ako Rangatahi tirelessly supports. These young people often confront immense hurdles, from systemic injustices to personal traumas, yet they possess incredible resilience and potential.

It's essential to acknowledge that amidst the challenges, there are also stories of success and positive outcomes. For every rangatahi who overcomes adversity and transforms their life, there is hope and inspiration. By highlighting these success stories, we not only celebrate the achievements of our young people but also reaffirm our commitment to providing unwavering support and guidance.

As we reflect on today's hui, it's evident that there's still much work to be done. However, it's also clear that by coming together as a team, sharing our knowledge and experiences, and actively engaging with the issues at hand, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our rangatahi. Moving forward, let us remain dedicated to our mission of empowering and uplifting our youth, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

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Some interesting facts about the Youth Justice system:

1. Overrepresentation of Māori youth: Māori youth are disproportionately represented in the youth justice system. Despite making up around 15% of the total youth population, Māori account for approximately 70% of young people in the youth justice system.

2. Decrease in youth offending rates: While youth offending rates have been declining in recent years, New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of youth imprisonment among OECD countries. Efforts to address this issue have focused on diversionary programs and alternative interventions to incarceration.

3. High rates of recidivism: Research indicates that a significant proportion of young people who come into contact with the youth justice system reoffend within a few years. This highlights the importance of providing effective rehabilitation and support services to address underlying issues and prevent future offending.

4. Impact of socio-economic factors: Youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or family instability, are more likely to come into contact with the youth justice system. Addressing socio-economic inequalities is crucial for reducing disparities in youth offending rates.

5. Gender disparities: While the majority of young people in the youth justice system are male, there are also significant gender disparities in the types of offenses committed and the responses they receive. Female youth offenders are more likely to be involved in non-violent offenses and may require tailored support services to address their unique needs.

6. Challenges in accessing support services: Many young people in the youth justice system face barriers to accessing support services, including mental health care, education, and housing. Addressing these barriers requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying social, economic, and systemic factors contributing to youth offending.

These statistics highlight the complexities and challenges within the youth justice system in New Zealand and underscore the importance of taking a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to address them effectively.