In this episode, we’re joined by Enys Delmage and James Gardiner to talk about the current trends in youth offending, and how public perception shapes government policy in thisarea. Enys and James also highlight the importance of evidence-based early intervention and whānau-centred approaches to youth forensics.

 Enys Delmage is an adolescent psychiatrist based at Ngā Taiohi, a secure inpatient mental health service for young people. He works out of Porirua, New Zealand. He has a specific interest in the interface between young people and the law, and his research is predominantly focussed on the minimum age of criminal responsibility on an international scale.

James Gardiner is a forensic psychiatrist working at Tū Māia, formerly known as Regional Youth Forensic Services in Auckland.  Most of his work involves delivering in-reach mental health care to the two youth justice residences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.  James has worked as an in-reach psychiatrist in various correctional settings for around 20 years, with the last 10 years working with young people.  

 Resources:

Sarah Jane Blakemore – Inventing Ourselves | The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain