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Time for alternative action for youth courts

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Police: Constable George Faalogo at the meeting this week. Constable George Faalogo from the New Zealand Police Force says that using alternative action on youth offenders should be encouraged in the Samoan Police and Courts system. Speaking at a conference for Youth and Childrens Courts this week, Faalogo said the path taken by New Zealand in dealing with young offenders has and will pay off in the long run. Known as Youth Diversion back in New Zealand, the system ensures that youth are dealt with under a separate structure. Such a structure includes Youth Justice, Youth Development and Youth Education. Faalogo pointed out that Samoa is probably practicing Diversion or alternative action under the Young Offeders Act. According to him, the focus of the Youth Diversion or alternative action is accountability for offending, victims are acknowledged that they are part of the process and have power, interventions that meet the needs the youth and family and community and a direction from legislation for alternative action. “It is important to have a youth specialist within the system to ensure that their issues are understood and dealt with,” he said. According to him, having a Youth Specialist who is young and passionate can make things easier. Faalogo says that even Judges question when youth are brought into court, saying that alternative actions should be sought first. “If the family is willing and capable of dealing with the issue, let them, if the family lacks the skills and resources to deal with the issue then assist them,” he said. The positive results of such a system is that it ensures reduction in the number of juveniles going to court, Polcie are able to deal with about 80% of juveniles who offend, and that ultimately most offending is not serious. According to Faalogo it is important to note in such situations that the sooner the alternative action is implemented the more effective it will be, the alternative must meet the needs of the juvenile and family, the victim and the community. “It is not possible to implement consistent alternative action plans as each situation is unique,” he said. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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