Youth Diversion Projects now operational nationwide

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice, Niall Collins, announced that the State’s network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) has been successfully rolled out nationwide, making these critical interventions available to young people at risk of engaging in criminal activity no matter where they live in Ireland.

YDPs are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives. They divert young people who have become involved in crime or antisocial behaviour and support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk.

The announcement at the Annual YDP Conference in Croke Park follows confirmation that two new YDPs in East Clare and North Tipperary, run by Foróige, are now in operation, bringing the total number of projects across the country to 94.

This Conference provides Youth Justice staff with an opportunity to connect with their colleagues, share their experiences and showcase best practices to address the specific needs of young people who engage with YDPs.