Crowe welcomes new Clare Garda Youth Diversion Project

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Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of a new Garda Youth Diversion Project to be based in East Clare.

Youth Diversion Projects (YDP) work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better life outcomes.

The East Clare YDP is one of two to be announced today, with the other based in North Tipperary, which in the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division.

Welcoming the announcement was Deputy Crowe, who said: “Youth Diversion Projects have a proven record in diverting young people who are at risk of crime away from that criminal actions. Even involvement in crimes which are considered minor is a dangerous and slippery slope that can lead to much more serious criminal activities and impacts on families and careers, and can have life-lasting consequences.

“Every day I hear the consequences of getting involved in anti-social behaviour, drugs, theft and other criminal behaviour and it can have knock on effects on the people around those involved in crime.

“I have liaised with quite a number of youth organisations and advocacy groups recently and I see time and time again how the correct deterrents combined with proper supports to keep those at risk of crime away from criminality can be transformative, and I welcome this pilot being rolled out in Clare.”

The two new YDPs will be part of a wider Joint Commissioning initiative to trial a new collaborative approach to commissioning of relevant services in six pilot areas based on an agreed assessment of the needs of local young people. This approach aims to enhance communication and collaboration between agencies based on principles of the best interest of children and young people.

The objectives of the YDP are to:

  • promote focused and effective interventions to challenge and divert young people from offending behaviour
  • utilise YDP resources in areas of greatest need and to establish effective crime prevention supports in co-operation with other youth service providers nationwide
  • actively promote crime prevention policy through focussed educational interventions influencing positive development of young people towards becoming responsible citizens.

According to Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan: “Youth Justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to turn their lives around. I am committed to ensuring that children who have become involved in criminality, and those at risk of becoming involved in criminality, have the tools they need to make good choices and turn away from offending behaviour.

“Through the Programme For Government and the Youth Justice Strategy, we are committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. We can make a lasting difference to the quality of life not just for young people, but for the entire community.”