Proposals sought for new youth diversion projects

YDPs work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better life outcomes. They are a key support to An Garda Síochána in the operation of the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme under the Children’s Act 2001.

YDPs engage with young people under juvenile liaison officer supervision or who have been referred by other agencies, for example Tusla. YDPs provide a range of supports, including education, training and employment support, social enterprise initiatives, as well as personal development supports such as mentoring.

There are currently some 105 YDPs in operation and the intention, under the Government’s Youth Justice Strategy, is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services throughout the State by end-2023. The establishment of these four new projects will mark a significant milestone in the achievement of this objective.

Mr Browne said: “Having visited many Youth Diversion Projects across the country during my time as Minister of State, I have seen first-hand the positive impact they have on both the young people who they welcome through their doors and the wider communities in which they are based.

“The establishment of these new projects will mark a significant milestone in the achievement of the Youth Justice Strategy’s commitment to having YDP services available in all areas.

“These new YDPs will be responsible for providing family support, early intervention supports for 8-11 year olds, working with harder to reach young people and supporting schools to retain children with challenging behaviour where the necessary risk threshold has been met.

“It is so important that we give young people at risk of going down the wrong path every opportunity to correct themselves and meet their full potential. Youth Diversion Projects not only divert young people away from crime, but also work to foster young people’s talents, interests and personal development. I cannot underscore enough the value of these projects in communities and I look forward to their further expansion on foot of this call.”