The National Youth Justice Strategy was launched in March 2008 and set challenging goals and objectives across a range of responsibilities of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS). The more significant challenges were to bring about a modern and integrated youth justice system; to facilitate the implementation of the Children Act, 2001; to ensure that the programmes provided are effective; and to achieve the best possible outcomes for children who come into contact with the youth justice system.

As the timeframe for Strategy has now expired, it is time to review the progress made, re-examine priorities and plan the future direction of youth justice policy. The Strategy sets out key actions and commitments for each of the stakeholders i.e.; Criminal Justice agencies, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), the HSE, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht affairs, the Children’ Act Advisory Board (CAAB) and the Department of Education and Skills under 5 High Level Goals.