Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
896. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice what plans there are to expand the pilot youth diversion projects where there is engagement with participants at an earlier age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37167/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 intention is to develop the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary.
The Youth Justice Strategy commits to the broadening and deepening of services provided by YDPs and acknowledges the importance of Early Intervention and Family Support programmes for children at risk, as well as access to appropriate Education, Training and Youth Services. There are currently over 100 YDPs in operation and the intention of this year’s Justice Plan, under the Youth Justice Strategy, is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services by the end of 2023.
A further 4 YDPs are due to be established by the end of this year to expand the service provision to every young person who needs it. Additionally 6 collaborative commissioning Diversion Projects are also due to be established in 2023. These Projects will draw relevant statutory bodies together with local partners to map our separate funding schemes against a local needs assessment, to identify gaps in priority services and to agree with local service providers how to meet these needs in a coordinated and integrated way.
I can also advise the Deputy that YDPs typically work with young people aged 12 to 17, who have been referred to the YDP as being at specific risk. However, YDPs also aim to enhance their capacity to engage with children who have been identified by Youth Justice Workers (YJWs), or by others working in the community, as being at serious risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour but are below the age of criminal responsibility.
The objective is to work with these children, to promote pro-social behaviour and guide the young person to make positive life choices, including an emphasis on school attendance and performance and extra-curricular course with a pro-social focus. The work may also include engagement with the child’s family, providing support and tools to assist parents in dealing with their child’s behaviour.
