An Otago University study has found a link between safe, stable housing and a reduction in youth offending rates.
The study looked at the relationship between different types of housing assistance, including emergency housing, public housing, and the accommodation supplement.
Lead author Chang Yu said researchers found clear links between housing deprivation and alleged youth offending.
"We found offending decreased significantly among young people living in public housing or receiving the accommodation supplement, compared with the general population.
"The research underscores the importance of stability in housing assistance - more stable forms of assistance are associated with better outcomes beyond shelter, particularly in reducing youth justice involvement.
"Emergency housing - which provides accommodation for seven nights - remains a highly debated model, attracting both support and criticism. This study adds to the debate by showing that emergency housing does not appear to reduce youth offending." Read more