Children and young offenders

Children and the criminal justice system in Ireland
The Children Act 2001 regulates the treatment of children found in breach of the criminal law in Ireland.

Treatment of child suspects in Garda custody
The treatment of children in Garda custody is covered by the Children Act 2001.

Anti-social behaviour by children
The Criminal Justice Act 2006 introduced new provisions for dealing with anti-social behaviour by children. These provisions, allow the Gardaí to deal with anti-social behaviour in a number of ways.

Diversion activities and programmes for young offenders
There are diversion and other programmes which aim to help children understand the consequences of crime and keep them out of the criminal justice system

Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme
The aim of the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme is to prevent young offenders in Ireland from entering into the full criminal justice system by offering them a second chance.

Community sanctions
As an alternative to detention of children, the Children Act 2001 provides for a range of community sanctions that can be imposed by the courts.

Detention of children and young people in Ireland
Overview of institutions in Ireland which children and young people are detained by the Courts. Factors taken into account regarding their detention by the Courts.

Children Court The Children Court deals with children under 18 years of age and came into operation in 2002. The Children Act 2001 sets out the various rules regarding the Children Court.
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