Bootcamps for young offenders w Senior lecturer of clinical forensic psychology at Victoria University, Dr Clare-Ann Fortune: 17th June, 2024

The first of the boot camps promised by the coalition government will be operating by the middle of the year. 

Bootcamps are military style academies for young people who commit serious offences.

However, lecturer in forensic psychology, Simon Davies, senior lecturer in clinical forensic psychology, Clare-Ann Fortune, professor of psychology, Karen Salmon, and PhD candidate in forensic psychology, Linda Fatialofa – all from Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University – have written an article about the psychological evidence that this form of intervention is ineffective and does not work.

Wire host Sofia Roger Williams spoke to co-author, Dr Clare-Ann Fortune, about the psychological evidence behind this and why bootcamps are still being seen as a viable option. 

She started their interview asking her what bootcamps are and what their intended purpose is.