Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) were formed in late 2002 at the recommendation of the Youth Offending Strategy (2002). It was intended that through the YOTs, effective working relationships would be built between the four government service delivery agencies that intervene with youth offenders: Police; Child, Youth and Family; Education; and Health. The overall aim of YOTs is to co-ordinate service delivery at a local level to young offenders. There are currently 32 teams spread throughout New Zealand.
The Youth Justice Leadership Group (YJLG) has been charged with overseeing the performance of YOTs and ensuring that all teams are supported to function effectively. The Youth Justice Leadership Group comprises national policy and operational managers from the Ministries of Justice, Social Development, Health and Education; the Department of Child, Youth and Family; and New Zealand Police.
The Ministry of Justice provides two fulltime YOT Adviser positions to provide support and guidance to YOTs and act as a link between the YOTs and the Youth Justice Leadership Group.
This report presents the findings of a process evaluation of Youth Offending Teams in New Zealand. The evaluation used both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect information about how YOTs operate, with the intention of identifying examples of best practice and opportunities for development, and useful guidelines for improving the efficiency and appropriateness of their functioning. Interviews were held with 45 key informants from seven YOTs, including both current and past YOT members. The key informants interviewed were from a range of agencies and both managers and practitioners were interviewed. In addition, a survey was sent electronically to all current YOT members. A total of 199 members completed the survey, representing a 42% response rate. A focus group discussion was held with members of the YJLG in order to gain an understanding of their views and their expectations of YOTs. A limited-focus literature review was undertaken to inform the recommendations arising from the evaluation.