Working together for positive change services reaching in to even more areas of need across the country

The launch of the government’s Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 underpinned a very exciting year for our Justice services, as it brought a greater focus towards collaborative working to strengthen families and communities in living free from crime and harm.

The objectives in the strategy emphasise the need to maximise the opportunities which are available in order to promote positive behavioural change for young people.

This includes a wide range of issues relevant to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, including: Early intervention and preventative work; Family support; Diversion from crime; Court processes; Supervision and support in the community; and Detention and support post-release.

Following an outstanding evaluation on the Bail Supervision Scheme in Dublin, Extern were successful in the tender to open two new Schemes - one in Limerick and one in Cork. We have seen successful outcomes in both new sites for young people and have expanded the referral pathway to include An Garda Siochana and probation services. The original Dublin scheme has also expanded its target area to include Drogheda, Trim, Naas and Bray.

In April 2021, Extern opened the Intensive Family Support Service (IFSS). This is a Department of Justice-funded project and is a partnership between the Department of Justice, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and the School of Law at University of Limerick.

The aims of the project are to reduce the influence of criminal networks on children and to improve prosocial outcomes for those who become involved in criminal networks. The project also provides new insights into how criminal networks attract and confine children, encouraging and coercing them to be involved in serious crime.

Janus Justice in Limerick continues to lead the way within the justice sector, being one of two ‘Specialist Projects’ funded by the Department of Justice. The service continues to work with harder to reach young people that are continuing to offend past the point of diversion programmes and aims to reduce recidivism through increased school/vocational placements and increased life skills.

Extern’s four Youth Diversion Projects are continuing to implement a one-to-one model for young people involved in the criminal justice system. The YDPs were invited to apply for additional workers in the areas of early intervention and family support, with a view to being able to access additional funding to focus on these areas as outlined in the strategy.

Before my family started working with the Bail Supervision Scheme, I had no confidence, I was stressed and anxious about my child because I knew he was going down the wrong path. Everything came to a head one night when he broke into a number of cars, and I had to go to the garda station.

I had to attend court, where my child was brought before the judge. I felt like a failure and that I had let him down. It was one of the lowest moments of my life and something I never thought I would have to do. I couldn’t see a way out.

On the next court date, I was referred to BSS and MultiSystemic Therapy. We worked step by step together to look at the problems my family were facing, made small goals and worked bit by bit to reach those goals. It was flexible with all of my family’s needs, and it helped my child to accept responsibility for his actions.

Together we achieved so much. My child got back into education and has developed a positive routine. He has taken up soccer and cycling, has taken positive steps to reduce his drug use, and has a better relationship with his father.

I too have more confidence as a parent. I have hope for the future. And most importantly of all, I now believe that my child can succeed in the future.

Parent, Bail Supervision Scheme, Limerick