10. Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) to the Minister for Courts: What progress has been made in the way that the Youth Court responds to young offenders?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS (Minister for Courts) : A number of provisions from Fresh Start, which was introduced 2 years ago, have allowed the Youth Court to give more flexible and more effective resolutions and orders. This has resulted in far less churn of young people going through youth justice residences, and 50 percent fewer young people going from the Youth Court into the District Court for sentencing.

Dr Jackie Blue: What other positive youth justice trends is he aware of?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS: I am aware of statistics released by the Ministry of Justice earlier this year that show that police apprehensions of young people are down 22 percent, and court appearances are down 19 percent—this is the group of highest-end youth offenders. I am aware that the Youth Court is making more and more use of new powers, with the number of parenting education orders used tripling in the last year, and mentoring orders more than doubling. I am also aware of anecdotal reports from youth justice residences showing falling numbers of residents within their secure units, and the demand on those units being less and less each week.