21 Aug 2013

Review of criminal justice system needed - Just Speak

7:10 pm on 21 August 2013

Youth law advocacy group, Just Speak, is suggesting the whole criminal justice system needs reviewing to see if prevention programmes are really working.

A report on the Government's Drivers of Crime programme shows major progress for Maori youth.

It says offending by young Maori has dropped by nearly a third in four years, and the number of children admitted to hospital with preventable illness, is down 22%.

Just Speak spokesperson Tai Ahu says the report is positive, but shows only a small slice of what's happening and a much bigger picture is needed.

He says inequality within the criminal justice system is still a concern for Maori.