Youth Offending in New Zealand and the need for a multi-agency coordinated approach (2 of 2)

In the second episode of this two-part podcast, Dr Enys Delmage and Dr James Gardiner continue their exploration of the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. They speak to Graeme Penty, Lindsay Yeo, and Kingi Snelgar, who share their experiences working with young people across diverse environments and discuss best practices for providing effective support. 

This series introduces key topics that will be explored in greater detail at the upcoming RANZCP Section of Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Conference held in March 2025, Wellington. This podcast will be valuable for professionals working in adolescent forensic settings or those involved with children in the justice system.   

Graeme Penty works with young people at Nga Taiohi National Youth Forensic Unit. He trained as a primary school teacher at Otago University and Dunedin College of Education, graduating in 1995 and registered in 1997. Graeme has taught in a wide range of schools since then and specialised in year 7 and 8 until starting work in 2017 with Health school. 

Graeme is passionate about re-engaging Rangitahi back into education, who may have been out of this for some time and helping with transition, information and feedback for Clinical teams and contributing to an overall outcome. 

Lindsay Yeo is an educational psychologist currently serving on the leadership team at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Facility in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Drawing on his experience working in the Severe Behaviour Service at the Ministry of Education, Lindsay brings expertise in providing consultation, training, leadership and supervision to staff at the facility, which accommodates up to 40 young people aged 14 to 18 with complex needs, including high levels of offending. 

Lindsay is also involved in the collaborative development and implementation of services within the youth justice sector. He is committed to enhancing the quality of assessment and intervention for this high-needs group of rangatahi.  

Kingi Snelgar is a criminal defence lawyer, youth advocate and academic based in Auckland, New Zealand. With 12 years of experience in the legal profession, he is a graduate of Harvard Law and a Fulbright scholar. 

Kingi is deeply passionate about criminal justice reform, particularly in the areas of youth justice and the prevention of young Māori and Pacific Islanders from entering the “pipeline” that often leads to a lifetime of offending and incarceration. He has whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whakatohea, and Ngāi Tahu, with knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and te ao Māori. 

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.