Diversion activities and programmes for young offenders

Programmes

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

The Gardaí fund a number of projects under the Garda Youth Diversion Projects which work with local communities.The projects provide the children with opportunities to engage in activities such as education, employment training, sport, art and music. Most projects operate outside of school hours, although activities may also be planned during the daytime.

The local Community Relations Service within An Garda Síochána is responsible for these projects and each project is managed by a committee. Each committee consists of the local Gardaí, the Probation Service, youth services and the local communities. Each project reflects the needs of the local community but every project ultimately has the same objective of diverting children away from crime and anti-social behaviour. The Department of Justice and Equality has published Garda Youth Diversion Project Guidelines (pdf) which give guidance on how a project should operate.

Schools Programme

At school level, the Gardaí operate a programme which is designed to discourage young people from involving themselves in criminal behaviour. This programme is called the Schools Programme. The programme involves Gardaí visiting classrooms and undertaking projects and trips with pupils in 5th class in primary schools. A programme for post-primary schools has been developed to run in conjunction with the Social, Personal and Health Education syllabus for Junior Cycle.

As well as making young people aware of the dangers of criminal behaviour, the Schools Programme also shows children the positive side of the work of the Gardaí and encourages good relations between pupils and the Gardaí.

National Crime Awareness Initiative

In 1996 a national crime awareness initiative aimed at young people was established. This initiative, called the Copping On programme, was developed by Youthreach and the network of Garda Juvenile Liaision Officers.

This initiative is aimed at early school-leavers and tries to make young people aware of the consequences of criminal behaviour and offending. Copping On provides comprehensive and flexible training resources for agencies delivering a group work, crime prevention and awareness programme. It also offers ongoing support and promote inter-agency cooperation.

Copping On also provides junior and senior resource packs aimed at 8-12 and 15-18 year olds respectively, and supervised prison visits.