Currently there are five projects under the aegis of my Department that are covered by the term youth encounter project. Each has a board of management that is responsible for the implementation of policy on discipline in the project. These projects, which are non-residential, can accommodate up to 115 young persons aged between ten and 15 years both boys and girls. These young people have either become involved in minor delinquency or are at risk of becoming involved in delinquency and have become alienated from the mainstream school system.
The evidence available from school reports furnished by my Department's inspectorate indicates clearly that these special national schools make good educational provision for this category of pupil. Students are taught a range of subjects and some students pursue a limited number of subjects for the junior certificate examination and junior certificate schools programme. The main emphasis is on developing the literacy, numeracy and life skills of the students in small classes in a caring and supportive setting.
This year my Department will contract an external agency to carry out an evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of all non-mainstream education projects for children at risk that are currently being funded by the Department. This evaluation will include the five youth encounter projects and other similar projects. The outcome of the evaluation will inform future policy in this area.