Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice James Browne attended the Crosscare Youth Diversion Project (YDP) challenge, held as part of Crosscare’s YDP camp.

The camp runs for three days and is an opportunity for Crosscare to give their new Harder to Engage Outdoor Learning staff a chance to run activities for their 12 YDPs with support from their full time Outdoor Learning Team.

The challenge forms part of the camp and consisted of a number of team activities. Minister Browne presented awards to the participating teams and, speaking at the challenge said, “the work of the Youth Diversion Projects is a vital, community based, support to the Garda Diversion Programme. The opportunity for staff to gather together over the three days of this camp to share their knowledge and expertise with each other will no doubt bring about significant and lasting change to the lives of many harder to reach young people.”

“Youth diversion is not about young people avoiding punishment or consequences. It is about recognising that many young people who do stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to get their lives back on track. The work of the YDPs benefits everyone in our communities as they work to promote pro-social activities and outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality.”

“I have visited many of the Youth Diversion Projects nationally in recent years and I have been struck by the dedication, commitment and passion of those who work in the Projects. I am delighted to be able to support Crosscare in this initiative.”

The Department of Justice provides funding to the YDPs and, in Budget 2023, a further €2.5 million in funding was allocated to youth justice services, increasing the total budget allocation for the YDPs and other youth justice projects to €30.24 million.

This funding will be deployed with the assistance of the best available research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime.

Funding for YDPs is provided by the Department of Justice and co-financed by the European Union under ESF+ and, in Budget 2023, a further €2.5 million in funding was allocated to youth justice services, increasing the total budget allocation for the YDPs and other youth justice projects to €30.24 million.