Home > Courses > Course information

The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of youth justice for those with a professional interest in, or responsibility for, the welfare and development of children and young people, while also providing the professional sectors concerned with relevant and up-to-date training and education at a time of significant developments in policy and provision.

Course objectives
By the end of the course the participants will have:
• Gained an understanding of the theoretical perspectives and research findings (psychological and sociological) on young people, their needs, lives and lifestyles and their position in contemporary society;
• Developed an appreciation of the differential circumstances and experiences of groups and categories of children and young people;
• Developed a critical awareness and understanding of the theoretical, conceptual and empirical background to the study of crime and justice, with particular reference to children and young people;
• Been provided with detailed information of the youth justice service and its relationship to other services for children and young people;
• Gained an understanding of the principles and practices of working with young people and adults in youth justice contexts; and
• Demonstrated competence in planning, executing and the evaluation of structured activities in an area related to youth justice.

Course modules:
M1: Children and young people in society
M2: Youth crime and justice
M3: The youth justice service and other youth services
M4: Working with young people and justice issues/Introduction to principles and practice
M5: Design and delivery of a youth justice activity/programme

The course is aimed at those working in the sphere of youth justice and/or those working with, or intending to work with, young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

Relevant employment experience includes but is not limited to:
Youth workers/voluntary youth leaders; members of An Garda Síochána; youth advocates; residential care workers; training centre/workshops staff, probation service staff, those with an interest in youth justice issues.

All participants are required to have either voluntary/employment experience (minimum of two years), or an academic qualification (Leaving Certificate / 3rd level / FETAC).
Participants should be able to demonstrate:
• An openness to reflect on their own practice, attitudes and beliefs
• An ability to work constructively and appropriately in group settings
• A commitment to learning in a group setting.

Written application. Applicants may be asked to attend an informal interview to look in more depth at the course and its suitability to their work and experience.

For more information see the cyc website http://www.cyc.ie/index.php/about-cyc/volunteering/cvertificate-in-youth-justice

Youth Justice in Ireland has entered a new phase with the publication of the first National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010.

Youth Justice has become an issue of pressing concern for all those involved in services for children and young people. Practitioners in youth work, community work, formal education, education welfare, youth training services, social care, social work, probation services, legal services, policing/juvenile liaison services, prison and custodial services, have much to gain from an integrated programme covering the multi-faceted nature of youth justice.

Catholic Youth Care (CYC) operates regional youth services whose staff are engaged in crime prevention work and work with young offenders. Copping On is an educational and training programme for young people who are at risk of being involved in crime or behaviours that are offending or harmful to themselves and their communities.