ABSTRACT
Family group conferences constitute a radically new way of working with young people and their families which originated in New Zealand as a response to the concerns expressed by Maori people about the over-representation of their young people in the care and justice systems. Interest in family group conferences in England and Wales dates back to 1993, following their successful implementation in child welfare. In a number of ways, family group conferences are well-suited to New Labour’s proposals for reforming the youth justice system. The government proposals for reforming the youth justice system are based upon a clear position in relation to the responsibilities of parents. Within contemporary developments in youth justice policy and practice, there seems to be a relentless drive to increase punishment, whatever the consequences of its application. The government has proposed the establishment of youth offender teams, comprising all the ‘key players’ in the youth justice system.
