On 16 December 2022, the Department of Justice provided an update on the progress made in addressing the objectives and key actions identified in the Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027 (YJS).1,2,3 The YJS is centred on a developmental framework that aims to target ongoing and emerging challenges in youth justice in Ireland.2 A key strength of this strategy is that its development was informed by an expert steering group representing key stakeholders across Ireland. The implementation statement focuses on several strategic objectives identified in Appendix 3 of the strategy.2

Governance, oversight and consultation

In 2021, implementation of the YJS was supported by the establishment or consolidation of governance, oversight, and consultation structures (Strategic Objective 1.1).

For example, meetings were held by the Youth Justice Governance and Strategy Group and the Youth Justice Oversight Group. Subgroups within these groups examined areas in relation to resources for Youth Diversion Project (YDP) development; serious offences; sexual offences; diversion in young adults (aged 18–24 years); and practitioner training.1 The new Youth Justice Advisory Group met in September and December 2021 to discuss a range of topics, such as approaches to collaborative services and case management.

Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice

To ensure that youth justice programmes continued to be informed by evidence-based practice, ‘an enhanced research partnership’,4 between the Department of Justice and the Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice (REPPP) team at the University of Limerick was established (Strategic Objective 1.2).

The REPPP team is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the strategy objectives.1

Youth Diversion Project development

YDPs (n=105) were expanded in 2021 (Strategic Objectives 2.8 and 2.9). Additional funding of €6.7 million was allocated from the Exchequer to support the development of existing YDPs and several specialised projects and programmes targeting problematic offending for hard-to-reach young people.

Ongoing service development objectives of the strategy

The work of key stakeholders continued in 2021, as outlined below.

Probation Service

In 2020, the Probation Service carried out 519 court referrals, prepared 509 pre-sanction reports for the courts, and supervised 409 young people in the community.

In addition, it collaborated with other justice agencies, working closely with juvenile liaison officers and Garda youth crime case managers. An in-reach service at Oberstown Children Detention Campus was provided twice a week, where offence-focused programmes and individual work with children and young people were carried out. Detention and Supervision Orders were given to 21 young people in 2020; probation officers worked with each person while they were detained and after release. Progress made by young people was reviewed throughout their detention with a final review being carried out before release. Reorientation into the community was also planned.

Garda Youth Diversion Bureau

The Garda Youth Diversion Bureau (GYDB) continued to work in a range of new and ongoing initiatives in 2021. For example, new youth mental health first-aid courses were provided for frontline workers along with presentations for internal and external groups on diversion work, restorative justice, and youth crime. Also, Greentown pilot initiatives continued to be supported for children who are under the coercive influence of criminal groups. To increase support and collaboration on the implementation of the strategy, a working group from different areas of An Garda Síochána was established.

Continuing professional development for youth justice workers

To enable youth justice workers to work and support children and young people effectively, continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities continued. The YDP Best Practice Development Team provided training on restorative practice and the risk assessment tool (YLS/CMI 2.0), motivational interviewing, exploring anger workshops, and Together Stronger workshops.

The REPPP Action Research Project co-designed and implemented new guidance on effective practitioner and young person relationships, involving a two-year trial process on 16 YDP sites.

Juvenile detention – DCEDIY and Oberstown

Policy and procedure documents aligned with the Children’s Rights Policy Framework of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) were finalised and essential training by staff was completed. Transitions to prison continued to be part of the placement planning process and involved young people in consultation with their keyworker and an external partner, Solas. Using a multidisciplinary approach drew attention to the young person’s journey in Oberstown with the view that this would continue in prison.

Conclusion

The implementation report was commended by the Chief Justice and chairperson of the board of the Courts Service, Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, who described efforts by the Courts Service in 2021 as one of adaptation and innovation as they dealt with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it affected access to and the administration of the service (p. 5).1

1    Department of Justice (2022) Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027: implementation statement 2021. Dublin: Department of Justice. Available from: https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/37773/

2    Department of Justice (2021) Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027. Dublin: Department of Justice. Available from: https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/34061/

3    Department of Justice (2021) Minister Browne launches Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027 [Press release]. 15 April 2021. Dublin: Department of Justice. Available from: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/63721-minister-browne-launches-youth-justice-strategy-2021-2027/?referrer=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR21000079

4    Department of Justice (2022) Minister of State James Browne announces almost €832,000 in once-off funding for 42 Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) nationwide [Press release]. 16 December 2022. Dublin: Department of Justice. Available from: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/c0184-minister-of-state-james-browne-td-announces-832000-in-once-off-in-funding-for-42-youth-diversion-projects-ydps-nationwide/