Opinion
07 Jun 18

Almost 4,000 Young Offenders Helped By Garda Youth Diversion Projects

The Irish government is being urged to increased funding to help the Garda Youth Diversion Project after it was revealed that almost 4,000 young offenders were helped by it last year alone.

There are currently 105 Garda Youth Diversion (GYDPs) operating nationally which provided services to 3,765 young people throughout Ireland during 2017.
GYDPs are community based, multi-agency, crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have become involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour.
They aim to support young people to develop and mature through positive interventions and interactions with a local project.
They provide a range of education and training programmes such as academic support, IT, employment preparation and specific job training.
Figures show that over €13 million in grant funding was awarded last year to support the delivery of the nationwide network of Garda Youth Diversion Projects.
A further €1.4 million in grant funding was provided to support a range of other activities, including project work relating to Local Drugs Task Forces, pilot mentoring initiatives and measures to support training and best practices.
Kildare TD Bernard Durkan is calling on the government to pump more money into the the programme, which he points out "provides an important crime prevention support in our communities and also helps to create a brighter future for young people".
Deputy Durkan said: “The operation of the Garda Diversion Programme is supported by the nationwide network of Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs).
Deputy Durkan continued: “My Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and his Department are currently running an extensive consultation process on the future development of GYDP services.
“This is money well spent and I would call for increased investment in this area going forward.
“This is an invaluable service that helps to change the course of the path that young offenders find themselves on.
“It gives them a second chance as well as the supports they need to stay away from crime and get their lives back on track. This in turn makes all our communities safer.”

Great discussion last night in Clane on the reasons to vote yes to repeal #8thRef. Thanks to @campaignforkate, @katiedawson23 and Dr. Brendan O’Shea for their contributions. Thanks also to @FitzgeraldFrncs for chairing our discussion. #VoteYes #TogetherForYes pic.twitter.com/mqgb7sfAZG

— Bernard Durkan TD (@BernardDurkanTD) May 4, 2018