6Principles relating to exercise of functions under Act

#### 6 Principles relating to exercise of functions under Act 6 Principles relating to exercise of functions under Act > A person or body that has functions under this Act is to exercise those functions having regard to the following principles— > > > (a) that children have rights and freedoms before the law equal to those enjoyed by adults and, in particular, a right to be heard, and a right to participate, in the processes that lead to decisions that affect them, > > > (b) that children who commit offences bear responsibility for their actions but, because of their state of dependency and immaturity, require guidance and assistance, > > > (c) that it is desirable, wherever possible, to allow the education or employment of a child to proceed without interruption, > > > (d) that it is desirable, wherever possible, to allow a child to reside in his or her own home, > > > (e) that the penalty imposed on a child for an offence should be no greater than that imposed on an adult who commits an offence of the same kind, > > > (f) that it is desirable that children who commit offences be assisted with their reintegration into the community so as to sustain family and community ties, > > > (g) that it is desirable that children who commit offences accept responsibility for their actions and, wherever possible, make reparation for their actions, > > > (h) that, subject to the other principles described above, consideration should be given to the effect of any crime on the victim. > > **s 6:** Am 2008 No 54, Sch 1 \[7\] \[8\].