Darroch Ball MP
Spokesperson for Youth Affairs
18 OCTOBER 2016

BIG PRISON SPEND RESULT OF FAILING YOUTH COURT

The $1 billion being spent on more prison beds would not be necessary if the justice system stopped youth from going on to offend as adults, says New Zealand First.

“Half of all adult prisoners have previously been convicted as a youth,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Youth Affairs Darroch Ball.

“But the youth justice system is failing, so today the government announced spending of $1 billion for another 1800 new beds in adult prisons.

“Instead of being the stopping point in a short life of crime the youth justice system is a breeding ground and conveyer belt for criminals.

“The vast majority of youth are just being re-cycled around the system getting warnings or diversion and continually reoffending.

“We need investment to correct and address our youth system instead of throwing billions at the problem when it’s far too late,” says Mr Ball.

ENDS

© Scoop Media