Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins TD have today (Thursday) confirmed the selection of two new Youth Diversion Projects.

The two new successful applications have been chosen in East Clare and North Tipperary. Following an open application and appraisal process, Foróige have been chosen to operate both projects.

The announcement of the new YDPs will achieve the target as set out in the Youth Justice Strategy of full national coverage of YDPs, ensuring that a service is available to every young person who needs it. There are currently 93 YDPs throughout the State, including four new projects which were established in 2023 which are now up and running.

Speaking today, Minister O’Callaghan said:

    Youth Justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to turn their lives around. I am committed to ensuring that children who have become involved in criminality, and those at risk of becoming involved in criminality, have the tools they need to make good choices and turn away from offending behaviour.

    Through the Programme For Government and the Youth Justice Strategy, we are committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. We can make a lasting difference to the quality of life not just for young people, but for the entire community.

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. Funding for YDPs and other Youth Justice measures have increased substantially in recent years, from €18 million in 2020 to a total allocation of just over €36 million in Budget 2025.

Minister O’Callaghan added:

    Youth Diversion Projects do amazing work around the country with young people. I’m delighted that these two projects will ensure we have nationwide YDP coverage once they are up and running, so that any child who needs access to their service can get it, no matter what part of the country they are in.

The two new YDPs will be part of a wider Joint Commissioning initiative to trial a new collaborative approach to commissioning of relevant services in six pilot areas based on an agreed assessment of the needs of local young people. This approach aims to enhance communication and collaboration between agencies based on principles of the best interest of children and young people.

Minister Collins 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 intervene and support young people in trouble that 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, and we owe it to our communities to make those interventions, and support better outcomes for all.

    I look forward to getting out and visiting those working and participating in our Youth Diversion Projects in my role as Minister of State. I want to congratulate all those involved in the successful projects in Clare and in Tipperary. Every euro we invest in our children’s future will pay back in spades and, when operational, these new Youth Diversion Projects will offer the type of early interventions and supports that can put at-risk young people on a better path.

Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027.