The Youth Diversion Programme is provided for in the Childrens Act 2001. The Diversion Programme is supported by a network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs).
YDPs are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime/anti-social behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk. There are currently 105 YDPs state-wide, and a further 10 projects with a special focus (for example: more challenging children, family support)
The programme locations can be found on this map.
YDPs aim to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project. They are primarily targeted at 12-17 year old “at risk” youths in communities where a specific need has been identified and where there is a risk of them remaining within the justice system.
The objectives of the YDP are to:
- promote focused and effective interventions to challenge and divert young people from offending behaviour
- utilise YDP resources in areas of greatest need and to establish effective crime prevention supports in co-operation with other youth service providers nationwide
Actively promote crime prevention policy through focussed educational interventions influencing positive development of young people towards becoming responsible citizens.
Funding for these interventions is based on evidence that diverting young offenders from the criminal justice system, and preventative work with young people at risk, is to their long-term benefit and that of society as a whole.
YDPs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Community Safety Unit and Funds Administration Unit in partnership with the Youth Diversion Office. Each project is managed by a Community Based Organisation (for example: Foróige, Youth Work Ireland, Crosscare). In 2020, approximately €18m was allocated by the Department of Justice to YDPs. Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027.
The European Social Fund + (ESF+) provides the European Union with the financial means to invest in people. The current round of funding will run from 2021 to 2027. The Department of Justice secured co-funding for Youth Diversion Projects through the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027 for the specific purpose of improving the education and employability prospects of young people engaged in the projects. The allocation of the funding is subject to a number of conditions as outlined in the EU circulars. These regulations can be found on the https://eufunds.ie/regulations-guidance/
The Youth Diversion Projects are also funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Details of the operational requirements for YDPs are available here:
Youth Diversion Projects Operational Requirements 2022
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Image: Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 Gov of Ireland and EU flag