The Little Book of Family Group Conferences

Family Group Conferences (FGCs) are the primary forum in New Zealand for dealing with juvenile crime as well as child welfare issues. This third volume in The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding Series is about the juvenile justice system that is built around these conferences.

Since their introduction in New Zealand, Family Group Conferences have been adopted and adapted in many places throughout the world. They have been applied in many arenas including child welfare, school discipline, and criminal justice, both juvenile and adult. In fact, FGCs have emerged as one of the most promising models of restorative justice.

This Little Book describes the basics and rationale for this approach to juvenile justice, as well as how an FGC is conducted.

Allan MacRae is Southern Regional Coordinator for Youth Justice in New Zealand, overseeing youth justice for much of the South Island. Howard Zehr is one of the founders of the field of restorative justice and is often called upon to interpret restorative justice in many parts of the world.

About The Author:
Allan MacRae is Manager of Coordinators for the Southern Region of New Zealand, overseeing Family Group Conferences for both Youth Justice, and Care and Protection. He has 23 years of experience working with young offenders and at-risk youth.

Howard Zehr is considered a founder of the field of restorative justice. He lectures, trains, and consults internationally, including in New Zealand. He is the Series General Editor of The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding, of which this book is a part.