International Best Practices
Effective approaches from around the world
What works elsewhere? We document effective youth justice approaches from New Zealand, Scandinavia, Canada, and other jurisdictions with relevance to Australia.
New Zealand
Family Group ConferencingNew Zealand pioneered Family Group Conferencing in 1989, embedding Maori cultural values of whānau (family) and community responsibility into youth justice. Young offenders are diverted from courts to family-led conferences that develop culturally appropriate responses.
Key Outcomes
- ✓80% of cases resolved without court
- ✓Strong cultural reconnection
- ✓Lower reoffending rates
Relevance to Australia
Highly applicable to Australia, especially for First Nations communities. Similar cultural context and legal frameworks.
Finland
Child Welfare FirstFinland treats youth offending primarily as a child welfare issue rather than a criminal justice matter. Under-15s cannot be prosecuted; 15-17 year olds receive strong welfare supports. Detention is rarely used.
Key Outcomes
- ✓Lowest youth incarceration in Europe
- ✓High educational outcomes
- ✓Strong rehabilitation focus
Relevance to Australia
Demonstrates what's possible with a welfare-first approach. Requires significant policy shift.
Canada
Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)Canada's 2003 YCJA prioritizes diversion, community-based responses, and rehabilitation. Indigenous courts and Gladue principles ensure culturally appropriate responses for First Nations youth.
Key Outcomes
- ✓40% reduction in custody since 2003
- ✓Indigenous courts growing
- ✓Strong extrajudicial measures
Relevance to Australia
Provides legislative model for Australia. Gladue principles similar to Australian sentencing considerations.
Scotland
Children's Hearing SystemScotland's unique system keeps most children under 16 out of courts entirely. Lay panels of trained community members make decisions focused on the child's needs rather than punishment.
Key Outcomes
- ✓Community-based decision making
- ✓Child-centered approach
- ✓Lower court involvement
Relevance to Australia
Model for community panels. Could inform Australian youth justice conferencing.
Norway
Restorative Justice & Low IncarcerationNorway has one of the lowest youth incarceration rates in the world. Focus on restorative justice conferencing and community service. Age of criminal responsibility is 15.
Key Outcomes
- ✓Very low recidivism
- ✓High rehabilitation rates
- ✓Strong community reintegration
Relevance to Australia
Demonstrates effectiveness of restorative approaches at scale.
Key Lessons for Australia
Raise the Age
Most comparable nations have higher ages of criminal responsibility (14-15). Evidence supports raising Australia's age from 10.
Diversion Works
Every successful jurisdiction prioritizes diversion over prosecution. Australia can expand existing conferencing programs.
Indigenous-Led Solutions
New Zealand and Canada show the value of Indigenous-led justice processes. Australia must invest in community-controlled responses.
Welfare Not Punishment
Scandinavian models demonstrate that treating youth offending as a welfare issue produces better outcomes than punitive responses.