Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD is inviting proposals for community and youth service organisations to establish new Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) in North Tipperary and in East Clare. Once fully operational, the two new projects will ensure full YDP coverage across the State, fulfilling commitments in both the Programme for Government and Youth Justice Strategy.

Speaking today, Minister of State James Browne said:

“Diverting vulnerable children away from a life of crime and giving them an opportunity to build a better future for themselves is key to our commitment to building safer and stronger communities.

Youth Diversion Projects across the country are doing really important and impactful work with young people, who either have come into contact with the criminal justice system or are at risk of doing so.

Their intervention and support of young people in trouble can be the difference between a life long career in criminality, or the pursuit of a better path for the rest of their lives. We owe it to young people, many of whom have been dealt a bad hand from the beginning, and we owe it to our communities to make those interventions, and support better outcomes for all.

Ensuring nationwide YDP coverage has been a priority for me and this Government for that reason, and I am delighted today to invite proposals for the establishment of two additional projects in Clare and Tipperary, which will be funded by the Department of Justice.”

Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better life outcomes.

They are a key support to An Garda Síochána in the operation of the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme under the Children Act 2001.

There are currently 99 YDPs in operation and the intention under the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 is to have the service available throughout the State.

The establishment of these new projects will mark a significant milestone in the achievement of this objective.

Expressions of interest must be from registered charities and demonstrate a strong track record of delivering programmes of support for challenging young people and sound corporate governance and financial management capabilities.

Expressions of interest are welcome from individual organisations or from a consortium of eligible organisations (with one specified lead for governance and financial management purposes).

These must include proposed supports or dedicated Youth Justice Workers targeting family support, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.

Details of the operational requirements for YDPs are available at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1a1cd-youth-diversion-projects/

Expressions of interest from community-based organisations in establishing new YDPs in any of these areas should be submitted to yjs@justice.ie by 30 September 2024. Shortlisting may apply.

Additional information for approved applicants on the youth crime profile in the specific areas and operational boundaries for the new projects will then be made available at the start of October 2024. Completed final proposals should then be sent to yjs@justice.ie by 31 October 2024.