Reducing child and youth offending project
Reducing child and youth offending project
The power of physical activity and sport to reduce child and youth offending
Sport NZ is working with NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki, Corrections and other key partners to reduce child and youth offending by creating positive opportunities for children and young people through physical activity and sport.
The Reducing Child and Youth Offending project is supported by a $15 million investment through to June 2028. It builds on our existing work using play, active recreation and sport to strengthen protective factors in the lives of children, young people, their whānau and communities.
This project focuses on children and young people who need more tailored support.
At a glance
Who
Children and young people (10–18) experiencing higher risk factors
What
Cross-agency and multi-sector collaboration and targeted investment using play, active recreation and sport
How
Community‑led, partnership-based delivery
Investment
$15 million through to June 2028
Why this project matters
Most children and young people in Aotearoa are doing well. Some, however, face more challenges in their lives. These challenges can increase the chances of getting into trouble or having contact with the youth justice system.
There is no single reason why this happens. Things like family circumstances, school experiences and access to positive activities all play a part.
Physical activity and sport are not a solution on their own – but when part of wider support, they can help strengthen positive outcomes for children, young people and communities.
This project focuses on strengthening positive opportunities and outcomes for individuals and communities and better cross agency collaboration.
Who the project focuses on
The project focuses on children and young people aged 10–18 who are experiencing higher risk factors.
Risk factors are conditions, experiences or circumstances that can negatively affect a young person’s wellbeing, development and future outcomes. When several of these factors are present, the chances of facing challenges later in life increase.
This includes young people who may be disengaging from school or community life, as well as those who have had contact with Police or the youth justice system.
The emphasis is on recognising potential, building connection and creating environments that support positive change.
How physical activity and sport help
Confidence
Belonging
Connection
Positive routines
Being active helps young people build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging. These things are important for wellbeing and staying connected to others.
Play, active recreation and sport can also help young people develop positive routines and relationships. Over time, this can reduce the risk of harm and support better choices.
In this project, activities are shaped by local communities. They reflect culture, place and what matters to young people and their whānau.
How the project works
This project focuses on supporting children and young people experiencing higher risk factors through secondary and tertiary prevention. This is more targeted support for a smaller group of children and young people, recognising that more complex circumstances require more tailored responses. It helps ensure support is focused where it can make the biggest difference.
In simple terms:- Primary – supports everyone, preventing problems before they occur
- Secondary – early identification and support for those facing higher risk factors
- Tertiary – reducing harm and preventing further escalation of offending behaviours.
Primary prevention
Primary prevention supports everyone and aims to reduce risk early.
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention supports children and young people who are facing multiple risk factors and could be starting to disengage. It focuses on early intervention to prevent issues from escalating.
Tertiary prevention
Tertiary prevention focuses on supporting children and young people who have already been involved with Police and/or the justice system. It aims to reduce further harm and prevent reoffending by providing targeted support and intervention.
What the investment includes
The project is delivered through 3 connected investment areas, including $500k for operational costs and evaluation. Together, these support local action, proven programmes and approaches, and better ways of working together.
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Additional Tū Manawa funding ($5 million)
Additional Tū Manawa funding supports national reach via Regional Sports Trusts, enabling local initiatives and trusted groups already working with children, young people and communities. As part of this funding, Regional Sports Trusts are working closely with Police and Oranga Tamariki to enable a more connected response to local challenges.
The focus is on local leadership and building on what is already working.
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Community Impact Investment ($8 million)
This investment supports organisations that already work with children and young people experiencing higher risk factors. It helps strengthen and expand approaches that are showing positive results and are backed by strong evidence.
This is targeted investment, not contestable funding. Suitable groups and initiatives are already working with key stakeholders such as Police, Oranga Tamariki and Corrections, and have the appropriate operational functions in place, such as safeguarding.
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Systems Investment ($1.5 million)
This investment focuses on how organisations work together. It supports shared learning, capability building and better coordination, so physical activity and sport are part of wider child and youth support efforts.
Working together
This project is delivered in partnership with:
Community organisations play a key role. They lead local solutions, supported by Sport NZ and partner agencies. By working together, partners can provide more connected support for children, young people and their whānau.
What success looks like
More children and young people feeling supported and connected.
Stronger whānau and communities, and fewer young people entering or returning to the justice system.
Learning what works and using that learning to encourage the use of physical activity and sport for crime prevention and intervention.
Updates and stories
We'll share updates and stories as the project develops, highlighting community‑led action and what we're learning along the way.
