KEY POINTS:
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark has released statistics that paint a grim picture of the youth justice system.
Last week, he raised concerns about reoffending rates while speaking at the law and order select committee, which is considering his Young Offenders (Serious Crimes) Bill, which would lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
Yesterday's expanded figures show:
* The number of 14-to-16-year-olds making two or more appearances in the Youth Court has almost doubled since 2002.
* The number of children and young persons making two or more youth justice family group conference appearances rose 63.2 per cent in the same period.
* More than 40 per cent of those appearing in Youth Court were repeat offenders.
* Thirty-nine youths were making their eighth or ninth appearance. In 2002 only one youth was in that position.
During the committee hearing, the Youth Justice Independent Advisory Group said problems with the system included the under-resourcing of family group conferences, which were becoming ineffective.
The group said the Youth Court was struggling to deal effectively with recidivist offenders and social workers felt the Ministry of Social Development's national office did not understand the day-to-day realities of the job.
It urged MPs to simplify procedures for prosecuting children, improve police training, get a memo of understanding between police, Child, Youth and Family and courts to avoid delays, and better resource police and CYF to deal with serious offenders.
- NZPA
