Move-on Orders Risk Criminalizing Homeless Children, Experts Warn

Homelessness advocates and public health experts in New Zealand are sounding the alarm over proposed “move-on” orders, which could criminalize children experiencing homelessness, according to an analysis by the University of Auckland. The policy, which would require police to direct homeless individuals to leave designated areas, has drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating systemic inequities.

What Are Move-On Orders?

Move-on orders, a policy already in use in several cities globally, mandate that individuals sleeping in public spaces be directed to leave within a specified timeframe. In New Zealand, the approach has been proposed as a tool to manage homelessness in urban centers, but critics argue it lacks safeguards for vulnerable groups, including minors. According to a 2023 report by the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, over 1,200 children under 18 are estimated to be homeless annually, with many facing barriers to stable housing.

Experts Warn of Criminalization Risks

Public health researchers at the University of Otago have warned that move-on orders could push homeless youth into criminal behavior. “When children are forced into transient situations without access to shelter or support, they are more likely to engage in survival crimes such as theft or drug use,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a senior lecturer in social policy. A 2022 study published in the *New Zealand Journal of Public Health* found that 68% of homeless youth surveyed had encountered law enforcement in the past year, with many reporting negative interactions.

Police Face Ethical Dilemmas

The policy also places law enforcement in a difficult position, according to Francesca Rudkin, a legal analyst at Newstalk ZB. “Officers are being asked to enforce measures that may contradict their duty to protect vulnerable populations,” she wrote. In Christchurch, where a pilot program for move-on orders was tested in 2023, police reported a 22% increase in citations for public order offenses among homeless individuals, though no formal data on youth arrests has been released.

Alternatives to Criminalization

Advocacy groups like the New Zealand Youth Council are pushing for housing-first approaches instead. “Criminalizing homelessness is a short-term fix that ignores the root causes,” said spokesperson Liam Nguyen. The group points to successful models in cities like Vancouver, where increased funding for transitional housing reduced homelessness by 14% between 2020 and 2023. A 2024 report by the OECD highlighted that nations prioritizing housing access over punitive measures saw a 30% lower rate of youth homelessness compared to those with strict enforcement policies.

What Happens Next?

The New Zealand government has not yet announced a national rollout of move-on orders, but local councils in Auckland and Dunedin are considering pilot programs. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing stated, “We are reviewing all options to address homelessness while ensuring the rights of all citizens are protected.” Meanwhile, legal challenges are being prepared by advocacy groups, citing potential violations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.