Education service in the Youth Court

Learn about the scope and purpose of the education service in the youth court.

Level of complianceMain audienceOther

Inform

  • Child or young person
  • Parents, Caregivers and Whānau
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Teachers and Kaiako
  • Ministry of Justice staff
  • Oranga Tamariki staff

Using this guidance can help children and young people, and the people supporting them, to be informed about the scope and purpose of the education service in the youth court.

Overview

The Youth Court deals with the most serious criminal offending by children and young people aged 12 to 17 years old. Young people who go to the Youth Court have what is called a hearing. This is where the young person goes into the courtroom and a Judge hears the case. The young person must have a lawyer (known as a youth advocate) with them at the hearing.

Education Officers are Ministry of Education staff who attend youth court hearings to tell the court about the child or young person’s education history.

Education Officers in Youth Court

The role of an Education Officer is to:

  • inform the Youth Court of the young person’s education status through the preparation of an Education Report
  • address the young person’s educational needs in the Youth Court and/or family group conference (FGC)
  • attend an FGC to support the young person and their family / whānau where needed
  • assist the young person to re-engage in education or training.

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