Youth Court in New Zealand: What Parents Need to Know
When a young person is charged with an offence, it can feel like your world has turned upside down. As a parent or caregiver, it is natural to feel confused, concerned, and desperate to protect your child’s future.
The good news is that New Zealand’s Youth Court system is different from the adult courts. It focuses on rehabilitation, accountability, and support not just punishment. With the right legal guidance, many young people can walk away without a conviction and get back on track.
At Anj Singh Law, I have supported rangatahi and their whānau across Aotearoa through the Youth Court process with empathy, cultural awareness, and a focus on long-term outcomes. This blog outlines what to expect and how you can support your child during this challenging time.
Who Goes to Youth Court?
The Youth Court generally deals with young people aged 14 to 17 who are charged with serious offences, or those aged 12 to 13 in very rare cases involving serious or repeated offending.
Less serious matters—like shoplifting or minor property offences are often handled outside of court through the Police Youth Aid service or a Family Group Conference (FGC).
How Is Youth Court Different?
The Youth Court is designed to be more flexible and supportive than the adult system. It aims to:
Address the causes of offending
Involve family, whānau, or caregivers in the process
Reduce the chances of reoffending
Help young people make amends and move forward
Youth Court proceedings are usually closed to the public to protect the young person’s privacy. Judges, lawyers, and youth advocates are specially trained to work with young people.
What Is a Family Group Conference (FGC)?
For many young people, the first step in the process is a Family Group Conference. This is a formal meeting that includes:
The young person
Their family or whānau
Police
A Youth Justice Coordinator
Sometimes the victim or their representative
A lawyer or youth advocate (if needed)
Together, the group discusses what happened, the harm caused, and how the young person can take responsibility. The goal is to create a plan for accountability, which may include:
An apology to the victim
Community work or voluntary service
Attending counselling, school, or a support programme
Paying reparation or writing a letter of explanation
If the plan is followed successfully, the charge may be withdrawn and the young person can avoid a conviction.
What Happens in Youth Court?
If the offence is more serious or the young person does not complete the Family Group Conference plan, the case will go to Youth Court.
Key steps include:
First appearance where the charge is read out
The young person may be granted bail or held in a youth justice facility
The judge may order a second FGC or refer the matter for further reports
If the case proceeds, the young person may plead guilty or not guilty
The judge can impose a sentence or refer the case to the adult court if the offending is very serious
Can a Young Person Get a Conviction?
In most Youth Court cases, no conviction is recorded. The system is focused on second chances. However, in very serious cases, or if the young person turns 18 during the process, the matter can be transferred to the District Court for adult sentencing, and a conviction may result.
This is why early legal advice is critical especially if the offence involves violence, drugs, weapons, or multiple repeat offences.
How Can Parents and Whānau Support?
Your involvement makes a huge difference. You can:
Attend court and FGCs with your child
Help them stick to bail or court conditions
Support them to complete their FGC plan
Ensure they attend school, programmes, or counselling
Speak to their lawyer and ask questions
I work closely with families to ensure they are informed, empowered, and supported throughout the process. When parents are engaged, outcomes are better.
Legal Representation That Understands Youth
The Youth Court is a specialised environment. Your child deserves a lawyer who:
Understands how the system works
Can engage with rangatahi and speak their language
Knows when to push back and when to negotiate
Works with support services, social workers, and schools
Respects the role of whānau, culture, and context
With over 22 years of experience, I take pride in representing young people and giving them a real chance to change direction with dignity and legal protection.
When Your Child Needs a Voice, I’m Here to Help
If your child has been charged, do not wait. The earlier we act, the more we can do to support them—and prevent a mistake from turning into a lifelong record.
📞 Contact Anj Singh Law today for compassionate, strategic representation in Youth Court. Your child’s future matters and they are never just a case number here.
