Judges 'Misusing' Young Offenders Program in New Australia |TODAY|

Submitted by dan. on 2007-09-12 01:22.
Courts | Restorative Systems
A new report has found a New South Wales Government pilot program has failed in one of its main aims to divert young non-violent offenders from jail.

The bureau's director, Dr Don Weatherburn, says the program has produced mixed results.

"It appears that people who particpated in the conferences, especially the victims, are very happy with it," he said.

"They're happy with the restitution and they're happy with the way they've been treated.

"The negative side is it doesn't seem as if the magistrates have been using it for people who would have gone to jail but with people who would otherwise have got a supervised bond or some lesser penalty.

"It's always going to be hard persuading magistrates to take someone who they believe ought to go to jail and try them on a non-custodial option."

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