Youth offenders in New Zealand will participate in a military-style boot camp program, as revealed in new documents from Oranga Tamariki. This 10-week program aims to change the behavior of young criminals and is based at the Palmerston North youth justice facility.
The program has three phases: discipline, self and team development, and transition. Activities include daily military drills, sports, martial arts, yoga, high ropes courses, camping, and beach visits. Initial focus will be on holistic well-being like sleep and nutrition, starting right away.
Only a select group of youth offenders can join, specifically those sentenced through the Youth Court. These individuals are chosen based on their actions and ability to participate. The program avoids grouping those with gang ties, physical disabilities, or complex mental health issues.
Participants receive uniforms, journals, and toiletries upon arrival and are assigned mentors. They will journal daily and get support for transitioning. Activities will include cultural experiences like visiting a marae or learning Māori martial arts. Life skills such as CV writing and cooking are also part of the curriculum, along with a careers day.
The program places importance on counseling, drug treatment, and teaching emotional regulation and coping strategies. Workshops will cover finding meaning in life and recognizing personal worth. Each youth will have weekly sessions with a case leader or psychologist.
After graduation, which features a ceremony and dinner, the support continues with mentors and transition activities. Graduates join an alumni network to stay connected. While details on re-offending support are limited, individual plans will be created.
The program aims for long-term success, measuring outcomes through participant well-being and feedback from employers and the community.
