Trouble in Paradise? |TODAY|

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is a tough-on-crime lobby in New Zealand that uses sensational stories about victimization to promote increased use of prisons. It has now set its sights on New Zealand's juvenile justice system, viewed as a leading example internationally in restorative justice.

Restorative Justice and Family Group Conferences are a failed social experiment and it is time to introduce "accountable" justice according to the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

Spokesman Garth McVicar said the Trust's head office in Napier had been inundated with calls from members of the public "absolutely frustrated at the escalation of violent crimes and pathetic consequences handed out to young offenders."

Not so fast, say Prison Fellowship New Zealand and the Salvation Army in a response prepared by Kim Workman.

Prison Fellowship and the Salvation Army support the Youth Court and the Family Group Conferences for two reasons. Firstly, unlike the adult Court, the Youth Court gives victims the right to be involved in the court hearing. Secondly, there is clear evidence that the Youth Courts are working.

From an exchange of news releases posted on Scope Independent News (NZ).Read the Sensible Sentencing Trust charges and the Prison Fellowship-Salvation Army response.