The New Zealand Law Society supports the Government's Social Investment approach to the criminal justice system, to better protect the vulnerable in our society.

Justice Minister Amy Adams this week announced details of the Government initiative.

Law Society President Kathryn Beck says the plan could benefit many members of New Zealand communities who often struggle to stick up for themselves.

"The Law Society is keen to be involved in this Government initiative. We would welcome the opportunity for input and consultation with the Minister on this fresh approach to tackling the root causes of social crime," she says.

Ms Beck noted that the Justice Minister described the Investment Approach to Justice as being about justice sector agencies addressing the core issues to stop crime happening, reduce harm and prevent victims from being victimised in the first place.

"Ms Adams' announcement linked to the release of new online data analysis systems created by the Ministry of Justice which are evidence of an enhanced capability to better plan, predict and invest.

"The Law Society is encouraged by the Minister pointing to this improved range of data enabling better co-ordination with areas like health, education, and social services to try to prevent today's vulnerable young people ever becoming offenders of the future."

Ms Beck says the ministry's new online information enables users to get a graphical exploration of adult conviction data, along with an easy to search collection of Ministry of Justice research and evaluation reports.

"The Datalab in particular is an excellent tool for gaining a broad overview of crime statistics. The Ministry is to be commended for its initiative," she says.

An investment of $2 million of additional funding from the Justice Sector Fund will be put into the work programme.

"This proactive investment into addressing the the causes of crime to  reduce harm and prevent victims from being victimised in the first place is to be applauded," Kathryn Beck says.

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