Abstract
Serious youth offending has long presented challenges for New Zealand society and currently features prominently in the media. Such challenges have intensified the need to unravel the hidden nexus of complexities, including childhood adversities and neurodisabilities, experienced by youth who go on to commit serious offences. My research has been strongly influenced by a 2015 quote by the then Children’s Commissioner, and former Principal Youth Court Judge, Judge Andrew Becroft who noted that:
"There is a really staggering and profoundly concerning link between care and protection issues and adverse life outcomes ... in the criminal justice system."
Yet, there remains a significant gap regarding this link within social policy and research literature both domestically and internationally. Thus this dissertation presents a unique opportunity to examine the findings and commentary that is available to better address the gap. This dissertation aims to contribute to filling this knowledge gap through two primary aims which involve unveiling:
• The characteristics of the young people at the centre of this youth justice and care and protection nexus in Aotearoa New Zealand; and
• How well our youth justice and care and protection systems respond to these young people who commit serious offences.