Lay Advocates in the Youth Court
Location
• Kaikohe Youth Court
• Kaitaia Youth Court
• Whangarei Youth Court
We are looking for active members of the community who have a wealth of knowledge about their culture and are passionate about working with young people. Lay Advocates provide the Youth Court with information about the young person’s culture and family background and represent the interests of the young person’s family to the Court.
The Youth Court is part of the District Court. It primarily deals with young people aged 14-17, and some 12 and 13-year olds who have been charged with serious offending. The Lay Advocate is appointed by the Youth Court to support the young person’s family/whānau and represent the interests of the family/ whānau and their community to the Court. This may include attending hearings that are held at the local Rangatahi and/or Pasifika Court.
Rangatahi Courts sit at a marae and incorporate the use of Māori language, rituals and protocols. The Rangatahi Court process attempts to address the underlying causes of offending and encourage the participation of young Māori offenders, their whānau, kaumātua, kuia and local marae communities, in the court process.
The Lay Advocate is expected to:
• make sure the court understands any cultural matters to do with the case and provide the court with the cultural context of the young person and their whānau;
• represent the interests of the young person’s whānau, hapū and iwi to the extent that those interests are not otherwise represented in the proceedings.
A Lay Advocate needs to have relevant knowledge and experience of, and standing in, the local community. They should also have a sound knowledge of Māori protocols, Māori history, tribal pepehā and tribal whakapapa (genealogy).
This role would suit a person wanting to use their knowledge and experience to support the younger members of their community.
The role of Lay Advocate is based on assignment from a pool of Lay Advocates – it is not a full-time position. Lay Advocate appointments are made by the Youth Court on a case by case basis, so there are not necessarily regular hours. Payment is for services rendered and is paid at a set hourly rate by the Ministry of Justice.
Applicants for all locations are welcome to provide a CV with supporting written references by Monday 08 February 2021 to: Tania Parker, Service Manager
• Email: kaitaia.dc@justice.govt.nz
• Bring in person at your nearest District Courthouse.
For further information, and a copy of the role description, please contact Tania Parker via email above, or phone 09 408 9062.