Minister of State David Stanton, who is responsible for youth justice, has launched an online consultation on how State agencies should engage with young people who are at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Views are sought from the general public, including young people, and the consultation will remain open for eight weeks.
This is part of a wider consultation process to inform the development of a new youth justice strategy to cover the period up to 2026.
The survey will collect opinions on a range of areas related to the draft strategy, including the role of individuals and organisations in helping to prevent children and young people’s involvement in crime and different approaches to dealing with those who have committed an offence.
'Horrific consequences'
Launching the consultation, Minister Stanton said: “I think everyone is very aware of the serious, and sometimes horrific consequences where young people become involved with criminal groups. We need to increase and improve our efforts to engage with young people at risk to turn them away from a life of crime.
“With this consultation we want to consider the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this area – young or old – to make their voice heard by taking part in the online consultation.”
Anti-social behaviour
Minister Stanton said that those who are the hardest to reach are often those in most need of help but that communities should be able to live without fear of anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Referring to the fact that sometimes very young children can come to police attention, the Minister underlined the need for a strong emphasis in the draft strategy on prevention and early intervention.
Links
The consultation questionnaire and the draft Strategy are available at the following links:
Survey – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJW2H9H
Draft Strategy – http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Draft_Youth_Justice_Strategy_2020_(Public_Consultation).pdf/Files/Draft_Youth_Justice_Strategy_2020_(Public_Consultation).pdf