Chang Yu, a Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health in Wellington, has led a world-first study. Most importantly, it shows that stable housing has a huge impact in lowering youth offending in Aotearoa New Zealand. This innovative new research cuts the other way, taking a big step forward. It is the first to examine the relationship between housing assistance and youth offending at a population level. We know that safe and stable housing provides the foundation for healthy communities and social cohesion. Beyond preventing crime among youth, it improves the conditions that create the risk factors associated with youth criminal behavior.
The study’s findings show that housing deprivation is highly correlated to PSYOs. Chang Yu spotlighted the need to better address the housing needs of young people. Taking these actions can go a long way toward keeping them out of the justice system altogether. By ensuring young people have stable, safe, predictable living environments, communities can help create environments that deter youth from offending in the first place.
Key Findings of the Study
Chang Yu’s research has shown a significant drop in reported crimes committed by youth after they move to public housing. Specifically, the study determined that three years after entering public housing, the rate of cited offenses dropped by two-thirds. Unlike other groups that saw increases in offenses, this group actually saw a decrease in offenses. Their increase was 11.7% more than the general youth population’s decrease.
Further, the evaluation found a significant reduction in youth court charges among youth living in public housing. The decline was recorded at 10.9% greater than that of their peers not inside the public housing system. These numbers highlight how much of a difference stable housing could make in keeping youth out of the justice system.
The real world impact of these findings goes far beyond numbers on a sheet. Chang Yu emphasised the systemic disadvantages that Māori youth experience within the housing system. He helped raise awareness of the issues faced by Pacific youth in the justice system. Research demonstrates that targeted housing interventions can alleviate these disparities. Through these coordination efforts, more equitable outcomes will be achieved for communities impacted.
Implications for the Justice System
The lessons learned from Chang Yu’s research have important ramifications for New Zealand’s justice system. A 2019 report from the Ministry of Justice highlighted the need for a fundamental reshaping of the justice system to reduce harm and support community restoration. By integrating stable and adequate housing into strategies designed to address youth offending, policymakers could enhance the effectiveness of their interventions.
That’s why Yu’s findings encourage a more comprehensive approach to preventing crime. They’ve made the case that safe and stable housing is a social determinant of health and why it is a key public health issue. The research makes a compelling case that ensuring young people have stable homes is critical. It can actually help keep them from ever entering a life of crime in the first place.
The study challenges models like emergency housing that only offer shelter for seven nights. While emergency housing serves an immediate need, it remains a debated option and may not provide the long-term stability necessary for reducing youth offending.