The expansion of new Youth Diversion Projects has been announced today.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne have confirmed the four new Youth Diversion Projects to receive funding.
The four chosen areas to receive funding are Monaghan, Wicklow, Cork and Mayo, and will receive at least €1.5M this year.
Youth Diversion Projects were created to work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better opportunities.
There are currently 106 YDP’s across the State and the additional four will bring that total to 110. Two more projects are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Speaking about the programmes today, Minister McEntee stated, “I am committed to building stronger, safer communities and, while high visibility policing is important, I know this goal cannot be achieved by policing alone”.
"We must also look at wider solutions to ensure our communities are safe places for people to live, work and bring up their families in.By improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality we can make a lasting difference to the quality of life not just for young people, but for the entire community”.
“The funding we provide for youth diversion is always guided by the best available research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime”.
McEntee continued, “My colleague Minister Browne is doing excellent work in implementing the Youth Justice Strategy and we are both determined to see full national coverage for YDPs over the coming months”.
Minister Browne also released a statement that reads, “The selection of these new projects is another important step towards the achievement of the Youth Justice Strategy’s commitment to having YDP services available in all areas across the State”.
“I’ve been lucky to visit YDPs the length and breadth of the country and have seen the positive impacts that they have on young people and local communities, something which was highlighted in the recent YDP evaluation”.
“Youth justice interventions are not about young people avoiding punishment or consequences. They are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path need support and direction to get their lives back on track”.
He added, “I want to congratulate all those involved in the four successful projects. Every euro we invest in our children’s future will pay back in spades and, when operational, these new Youth Diversion Projects will offer the type of early interventions and supports that can put at-risk young people on a better path”.
