Serious youth offending declarations begin
The Youth Court can make serious-offender declarations for some 14–17-year-olds charged with serious offences and a previous such offence.
Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Act 2026 · Starts 26 Sep 2026
What's changing
- The Youth Court can declare someone under 19 a “young serious offender” after serious offending is proved.
- The declaration can apply to people aged 14 to 17 when they committed an offence punishable by at least 10 years’ imprisonment.
- A declaration generally requires a previous serious offence, or two unrelated serious offences proved by the court.
- Police must alert the youth justice co-ordinator and, where relevant, the family group conference about a possible application.
- The court must consider reoffending risk, previous interventions, the offending, the young person’s circumstances, and victims’ interests.
Who's affected
Young people involved in serious offending, their parents or caregivers, victims, Police, family group conferences, prosecutors, and Youth Court staff are affected.
When
The Act takes effect on 26 September 2026, the day after it was passed and received Royal assent.
What you might need to do
- If an application is made, the young person, their lawyer or youth advocate, and their parent, guardian, or caregiver must be given a copy.
- A family group conference may need to consider and recommend how the young person should be dealt with if a declaration is made.
Background
The government says the Act is intended to reduce serious and persistent youth offending, improve public safety, and hold young people accountable while supporting rehabilitation. It says the new declaration is aimed at young people likely to reoffend when earlier interventions have not worked.