Crosscare staff involved in Youth Diversion Projects took part in the National Youth Diversion Conference in Croke Park, attended by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne.
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based and supported youth development projects which seek to divert young people from becoming involved or further involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
The annual conference brings together a staff of Youth Diversion Projects across the country and members of An Garda Síochána to discuss current issues and best practices in the field of youth justice.
The conference heard directly from Niamh Skelly from our Practice Development Team and Sue Hopkins, our Youth Diversion Project Leader in Clondalkin. Sue’s hard-hitting contribution on the trauma experienced by children who witness criminal acts, sometimes within their homes, was reported in the Irish Times newspaper: Irish Times Report on National Youth Justice Conference
At the same conference, Minister Browne launched a discussion paper on diverting 18-24-year-olds from the criminal justice system. Minister Browne announces discussion paper on expanding diversion projects to young adults
Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
