Patrick Costello
Question:1162. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38321/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1162)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides a developmental framework to address key ongoing challenges, as well as new and emerging issues, in the youth justice area.
The Strategy aims to reduce harm in communities (including harm to children and young people) by reducing the numbers of children and young people who engage, or are vulnerable to engagement, in crime and minimise their involvement with the criminal justice system by supporting their personal development.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is actively implementing the Strategy, with a range of actions already underway, including the expansion of the Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and establishment of a small number of new YDPs, so that every child or young person in the State who could benefit from this service can access it.
We are also working with other statutory bodies to explore providing youth services to a number of pilot joint-commissioned Projects. This new type of YDP brings together services from across the public sector to enhance the service provided to young people and to ensure a 'no wrong door' approach. All of these are aimed at ensuring that programmes and interventions are as effectively designed and targeted as possible to support those children and young people (and their families) who experience particular disadvantage and are more at risk with respect to offending behaviour.
It may also be of interest to the Deputy that a report on the Evaluation of Youth Diversion Projects (YDP) was published in June of this year and can be found at the following link: gov.ie - Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 (www.gov.ie) Nationwide access to YDPs is a keystone commitment in the Youth Justice Strategy. The report noted the very positive ongoing work by YDPs, including the high levels of engagement from participants and the overwhelmingly positive impact they are having on the majority of young people who engage their services.
The evaluation showed that young people engaging in YDPs were less involved in criminal or antisocial behaviour, had improved self-confidence and communication skills, had increased happiness, and an overall improved sense of hope.
As the Deputy may also be aware, last November I published a discussion paper on diverting young adults aged 18-24 away from entry into the wider criminal justice system. A public consultation on diverting these young adults has been held and officials in my Department are preparing for an open policy forum in the coming months to provide a further opportunity for consultation and engagement with stakeholders, which will include expert speakers, discussion groups and feedback.