Written Answers. - Community Projects.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:
107
Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the number of Garda projects established in Dublin offering a preventative after-school programme to young people at risk; the number of children in the scheme for each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6756/98]
Question:
165
Dr. Upton
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he will undertake research into youths most at risk of engaging in a life of crime; if he will undertake a cost benefit analysis into diversion strategies for such youths as compared with the cost of imprisonment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6752/98]
Ivor Callely
Question:
167
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the Garda projects in Dublin that offer a preventative after school programme of activities to young people living in deprived communities; the success or otherwise of these projects in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6835/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 165 and 167 together.
My Department is currently making funding available for six community based projects, in Dublin, which are aimed at diverting juveniles from crime. The projects are located in Ronanstown, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Cherry Orchard, Priorswood-Darndale and more recently in the north inner city. The advisory committees running each of these projects are multi-agency in nature. Usually they involve gardaí, Probation and Welfare Service personnel, voluntary youth organisations, clergy and, most importantly, representatives of the local communities.
Through a combination of intervention and prevention programmes which involve, for example, school projects, sports, club facilities and other, mainly recreational and developmental activities, the special projects focus on juveniles who are already involved in crime or who are likely to drop out of the education system prematurely, together with those in need of emotional and developmental support due to family circumstances. The projects are also directed towards those who are unable to participate in other youth activities due to behavioural difficulties.
The concept of the special projects has its origins in the increased awareness and acceptance that, whatever the relative significance, factors such as unemployment, lack of educational opportunity and various other social disadvantages contribute towards criminal activity and disorderly behaviour. International experience suggests that this is the approach most likely to bear fruit.
Special projects are established in communities where a specific need has been identified. The initiative generally comes from the ground up, usually from An Garda Síochána or from a statutory or voluntary agency working in the community, or from residents themselves. While the projects do not all conform to the same structure, as they are tailor made to address the specific needs and problems in each area, they do have the same common theme running through them. For this reason, it is of little benefit to adopt a quantitative approach to measuring their throughput although, of course, it is important to keep the direction and focus of each project under review.
The projects are aimed at young people in the ten to 17 age group. I am satisfied that this particular age group is the one that can benefit most. These projects appear to be an effective and economical method of dealing with young people who are at risk. However, the question of a possible formal evaluation of their effectiveness and impact is being considered in the context of my Department's research proposals for 1998.
In addition, the Probation and Welfare Service is involved in, and runs, a number of community based projects which cater for young offenders at risk of continuing in crime. These projects include workshops and day centres where offenders are provided with training in a number of skills. The purpose is to address offending behaviour, reduce recidivism and assist such persons in obtaining gainful employment.
Deputies will appreciate that projects directed at young people at risk which come under the aegis of agencies for which I have responsibility are but a part of the Government's overall programme to tackle social exclusion and drugs.
In this regard £10 million has been approved by Government to support the implementation of service development plans which have been prepared by each local drugs task force detailing specific projects which they propose to implement. The plans were evaluated by the National Drugs Strategy team and recommendations were made to the Cabinet Subcommittee on Drugs and Social Inclusion.
In addition, as part of the Government's programme for young people at risk, £30 million will be provided over the next three years to fund the young people's facilities and services fund. The initial allocation of £1.25 million for this year has been increased to £7.5 million.
Deputies will be interested to know that juvenile crime will be discussed at the National Crime Forum on Thursday, 19 March 1998.
