Garda Diversion Programme and Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Garda Síochána

The Garda Síochána is an integral part of daily life and plays an active role in working with and supporting communities. For example, Garda Síochána members are involved in local initiatives that help children understand the consequences of crime and try to help them to stay out of the justice system. Some of these initiatives are funded under the Garda Youth Diversion Projects and there are currently 100 of these projects across the country.

If a child has to be taken to a Garda Station, the reasons are to be explained so that they understand what is happening. As soon as it is possible, a Garda will contact the child’s parents, or guardian, and explain the situation to them. The parents or guardian will be asked to come to the Garda station. The child, parent or guardian can ask for a solicitor. The Garda will tell the child, and the parent or guardian, about this and will make contact with a solicitor if asked to do so.

Within the Garda Síochána, there are officers who specifically deal with situations involving children who come into conflict with the law. These Gardaí are called Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) and are located nationwide.

Nature of offending by those under 18 years of age

Garda statistics show that the types of offence committed by children under the age of 18 years are primarily theft, alcohol-related offences, criminal damage, assault, traffic offences, drugs possession, public order offences and burglary.

In most cases, the Garda Diversion Programme is used to deal with these offences.

Garda Diversion Programme

If a child gets into trouble with the law, the Gardaí may decide to caution the child and keep them under supervision rather than go to court. This form of diversion for children was started in 1963 and, because it has been successful, the Garda Diversion Programme exists across the country and is included as part of the Children Act 2001.

A child suspected of an offence is referred to the Garda Diversion Programme. In 2005, 17,567 children were referred to the programme and 75% were issued a caution.

A child may also agree, as part of a caution, a number of actions which they will do to address the hurt that they have caused. These can include an apology to the victim, a form of compensation, a curfew or to take part in a sporting or recreational activity. Children on the programme may also be referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects.

 

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are local community activities which work with children. These projects aim to help children move away from behaving in a way that might get them or their friends into trouble with the law. They can help children develop their sense of community and their social skills through different activities.

The projects offer opportunities for education, employment training, sport, art, music and other activities. Most projects operate outside of school hours, however, in areas with a high proportion of early school-leavers activities may also be planned during the daytime.

The projects seek to encourage a better quality of life for everyone in the community and to support good relations between the Gardaí and the community.

For more information about these projects, see the Garda Youth Diversion Project Guidelines (PDF – 325KB).

You can learn more about Garda Síochána youth programmes by visiting the Garda website at www.garda.ie.