New Disability Strategy ignores justice for all

Media release – 30 November 2016

The Government’s new Disability Strategy makes great promises but remains lightweight on securing fair outcomes for those with intellectual disabilities who find themselves in the justice system.

IHC is pleased the Strategy has included an outcomes framework for the first time and promises to consult with the sector every two years, but the lack of action in raising the youth justice age to 18 is of concern.

“We have seen too many situations recently where youths with intellectual disabilities are tried as adults and sometimes sent to mainstream prisons, even though there are more appropriate avenues for these situations to be addressed,” says IHC Director of Advocacy, Trish Grant.

“It says very clearly in the Strategy that those with disabilities are to be treated fairly and equitably by the justice system, but we need to see some real commitment from, and better education of, the justice sector, for this to yet be achieved.”

“We are calling on the Government to address this. In the meantime we look forward to working with the Office for Disability Issues to develop the Strategy’s outcome framework and monitor its progress,” Trish says.

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About IHC

IHC was founded in 1949 by a small group of parents who wanted equal treatment from the education and health systems for their children with intellectual disabilities. The IHC of today is still striving for these same rights and is committed to principles of advocating for the rights, welfare and inclusion of all people with an intellectual disability. We support people with an intellectual disability to lead satisfying lives and have a genuine place in the community.

We have more than 5500 staff working to support 7000 people in services that include residential care, supported living, vocational support, respite care, and New Zealand’s largest non-government social housing provider. We also lobby and advocate for the human rights of all people with an intellectual disability at both a national and an international level. We raise money and awareness of the issues facing people with intellectual disabilities through our charitable activities, including an extensive advocacy programme, a one-to-one volunteer programme and the country’s largest specialist intellectual disability library.

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