179 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister for Children

179 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister for Children: What evidence, if any, has he seen that bootcamps for young offenders are effective at reducing rates of re-offending?

Hon Karen Chhour: Information on the evidence regarding the effectiveness of military academies was provided in briefing B-0029. In summary, international and domestic evidence has shown that ‘boot camps’, in and of themselves, are one of the least effective interventions when it comes to reducing offending and antisocial behaviour among young people. The research shows that “boot camps for juvenile offenders that included counselling, and boot camps with a primary focus on rehabilitation, were significantly more effective than other types of boot camp…" The briefing also notes that the Military-style Activity Camp (MAC) programme was delivered from 2010 to 2016. The programme aimed to target the most serious and persistent young offenders and was delivered as a partnership between Child, Youth and Family (CYF) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), based at Te Puna Wai o Tūhinapō Youth Justice Residence in Christchurch. It was found that the residential component of the MAC improved the attitude and motivation of young people to address their offending. Using teamwork and a mix of structured and routine activities, the NZDF staff helped break down barriers and promote the principles of equity, respect for authority, and self-discipline in the young people. Eighty percent of MAC participants successfully graduated the residential programme.