Abstract
The Government’s proposed ‘move-on orders’ would allow children as young as 14 years old to be detained, fined or criminally charged for behaviours associated with homelessness, including sleeping in public places or requesting money. The proposal would create a new pathway into the criminal justice system for young people whose presence on the street is typically the result of factors beyond their control, including unsafe home environments, poverty, family relationship breakdown, unemployment and limited support for those leaving state care.
This represents a potentially significant exacerbation of an existing crisis - children and young people already experience homelessness at higher rates than any other age group in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), with almost half of all people experiencing homelessness aged under 25.
Evidence shows permanent supported housing significantly improves health, education, and justice outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.