‘Significant milestone’ for young people in North Tipp

Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice, Catherine Ardagh, attended the official launch recently of the Foróige POINT (Providing Opportunities in North Tipperary) Youth Diversion Project in Thurles, marking the achievement of full nationwide Youth Diversion Project coverage by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

This significant milestone means that any young person who needs or wants access to a Youth Diversion Project can do so, fulfilling a key objective of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027.

Funded by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and delivered by Foróige, the POINT Youth Diversion Project supports young people and families across the Thurles Garda District, including Ballingarry, Borrisoleigh, Holycross, Killenaule, Littleton, Moyne, Shesheragh, Templederry, Templemore, Templetuohy and Thurles.

Youth Diversion Projects provide early intervention and support for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Through one-to-one supports, family work, programmes and community based activities, they help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships and make positive choices.

The POINT Youth Diversion Project was established last year to address a long- identified gap in services within the Thurles Garda District. Since then, the project has built strong partnerships with local agencies, schools and community organisations and is already supporting young people and families across North Tipperary.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Justice, Catherine Ardagh, welcomed the achievement of full nationwide Youth Diversion Project coverage. She said: “The establishment of the POINT YDP is a significant milestone under the Youth Justice Strategy. Our approach in Ireland is rooted in a simple truth that children in conflict with the law are still children.

Today, we are fulfilling our commitment to ensure that diversion projects are available to every young person who may need them and in every community across the State.

Through their work, Youth Diversion Projects not only support children, and the families of children, but also supports safety in our communities

by reducing the likelihood of reoffending and victimisation."

EARLY INTERVENTION

Speaking at the launch, Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige, said “The launch of the POINT Youth Diversion Project is an important milestone for young people and families across North Tipperary.

Early intervention and positive support can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life, helping them to build confidence, develop positive relationships and realise their potential. We are proud to work alongside local communities, An

Garda Síochána and our statutory partners to ensure young people have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Serena Orr, Senior Youth Officer with Foróige POINT Youth Diversion Project, added: “Since the project began, we have seen first-hand the difference that local, accessible support can make for young people and families. Every day we work with young people to help them overcome challenges, build on their strengths and connect positively with their communities.

We look forward to continuing to grow the project and creating even more opportunities for young people across North Tipperary.”

The project is delivered by a dedicated team consisting of a Senior Youth Officer, three Project Workers, an Early Intervention Worker and a Family Support Worker, supported by Foróige’s wider network of youth development experts.

The official launch took place at the project’s base on Friar Street in Thurles, which provides a dedicated youth friendly space for programmes, activities and support services for young people and families across North Tipperary.