Report on Consultations with Young People Engaged in Garda Youth Diversion Projects:
This report details the findings of consultations with young people on Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs). The key objectives of the consultations were to explore young people’s views and opinions on how:
- GYDPs assist them to move away from and/or prevent them from becoming involved in criminal and/or anti-social behaviour.
- How important it is to young people that projects are located close to where they live or if they would travel to other areas in order to participate in a project.
Recorded on 2018
Contributors
Author: Sandra Roe Research
Publisher: Irish Youth Justice Service Department of Justice and Equality
Date: 2018
Geographic Coverage: National
Type of Resource: Report
Sector/setting: Government
Vulnerable groups: Children in conflict with the law
Developed with children and young people? Yes
Type of participation: Practice (International, Regional and/or Domestic)
Availability: Open Access
Keywords: Consultation, GYDP, Projects, Young People
Introduction
Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) are community based, multi-agency, youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people involved in criminal/anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. The GYDPs aim to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project. There are currently 105 GYDPs, nationwide which are primarily targeted at young people ‘at risk’ aged between 12-17 years old.
The Youth Crime Policy and Programme Division, Irish Youth Justice Service, Department of Justice and Equality, will carry out a GYDP Change Programme in 2018/2019, which aims is to ensure that the service is available to all young people who could benefit from participating.