Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo. Photo: SUPPLIED
The Human Rights Commission says boot camps need a chance to work but only if they take a therapeutic approach.
Advice to the government says research has concluded a "military regime" - or 'scare them straight'-type camp is ineffective, but ones with lots of support before and after can change young criminals.
Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo said the government now knew not to take the too-tough track.
"It's unfortunate that they use the term 'boot camp'," she said.
"It kinda signals the use of violence to counter violence."
But Sumeo "really supported" a more "therapeutic, helpful approach to them".
"We have to give this idea a chance to work."
'Boot camps' are defined by researchers as emphasising military-style discipline, drills and ceremonies, and rigorous exercise.
They are based on the idea that the routine, discipline, and interaction with staff teach offenders self-control and respect, and "also shock them into behaving in a respectful and obedient manner", the advice to Children's Minister Karen Chhour said.
Karen Chhour Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
This clashes with what Oranga Tamariki told her next: "Traditional military-based approaches for those who have experienced trauma or have a disability will not lead to better long-term outcomes.
"These young people have very high and complex needs and are likely to have experienced trauma, abuse, and family violence, have a disability, have issues with addiction and mental health, and/or poor outcomes in education."
The National Party approach since 2022 has been that the year-long programme within youth justice residences would include schooling, vocational training, counselling, drug and alcohol treatment, mentoring, and cultural support.
Community groups say an offender being ordered by a judge into a boot camp might perversely earn them attention from gang recruiters.
The pitfalls upon release had not been addressed in past attempts, the advice said.
Previous boot camps foundered inside - "lack of robust support (that addresses the causes of the young person's offending), meant improved outcomes were not realised" - and outside - "lack of transitional support and intervention with family and whānau were also identified as shortcomings", Chhour was told.
She told RNZ that transition planning involving whānau, iwi and communities was her number one focus.
Sumeo said the commission wanted input but had not had it so far.
"Normally we are given an opportunity to input, so we want an opportunity to input, to give the best advice to them.
"From a basic human rights perspective, we expect to be part of the group that's consulted."
The minister should spread the tent to hear from multicultural groups and dairy and business owners, so everyone with a stake got a say, Sumeo said.
Chhour said health and safety laws would apply in the military academies.
"The minister expects the operational aspects of the programme to comply with all regulation," a spokesperson said in a statement.
Oranga Tamariki would have the status of a PCBU - a person conducting a business or undertaking - under law in the camps.
"The details of the programme are still being developed, including the design, locations, staff training, health and safety requirements, and the potential cohorts of young people that will be included."