Menu
24/11/2003
PSNI launch youth crime initiative
The PSNI have launched a new initiative aimed at tackling youth crime in Northern Ireland.
The aim of the scheme will be to provide an effective response to children and young people who are offending, at risk of offending or involved in anti social behaviour.
The initiative comes as figures show that between April and September 2003 almost 12,000 young people were referred to Police Youth Diversion Officers. 6,378 potential offenders were given warnings, 1,556 young people were given official cautions and 671 offenders were prosecuted.
Over 3,500 cases are still awaiting decision with many of the cases relating to theft, criminal damage (damage to property) and public order offences.
Commenting on the initiative, Superintendent Bobby Hunniford, Community Safety Unit, said: “In a recent report one of the public’s biggest concerns was underage drinking. This is just one example of anti social behaviour in which children and young people can become involved and its one that we can address through this new framework being launched today.
"If a child or a young person is offending or is involved in anti social behaviour it can very often lead to further offending. It is our job to prevent this and through the development of the Youth Diversion Scheme, we very much hope that we will do exactly that."
Around 47 Youth Diversion Officers across Northern Ireland and 28 Criminal Justice Managers will be involved in delivering the scheme.
These officers will liaise with parents, Restorative Conference facilitators, victims, Social Services, Educational Welfare, Probation Service and Youth Justice Agency representatives.
(MB)
The aim of the scheme will be to provide an effective response to children and young people who are offending, at risk of offending or involved in anti social behaviour.
The initiative comes as figures show that between April and September 2003 almost 12,000 young people were referred to Police Youth Diversion Officers. 6,378 potential offenders were given warnings, 1,556 young people were given official cautions and 671 offenders were prosecuted.
Over 3,500 cases are still awaiting decision with many of the cases relating to theft, criminal damage (damage to property) and public order offences.
Commenting on the initiative, Superintendent Bobby Hunniford, Community Safety Unit, said: “In a recent report one of the public’s biggest concerns was underage drinking. This is just one example of anti social behaviour in which children and young people can become involved and its one that we can address through this new framework being launched today.
"If a child or a young person is offending or is involved in anti social behaviour it can very often lead to further offending. It is our job to prevent this and through the development of the Youth Diversion Scheme, we very much hope that we will do exactly that."
Around 47 Youth Diversion Officers across Northern Ireland and 28 Criminal Justice Managers will be involved in delivering the scheme.
These officers will liaise with parents, Restorative Conference facilitators, victims, Social Services, Educational Welfare, Probation Service and Youth Justice Agency representatives.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2019
Youths Highlight Mental Health Matters
A group of young people from Co Antrim have created a short film to raise awareness of mental health matters among their peers. Participants at All Saints Youth Club in Ballymena produced 'Ask, Don't Assume,' to highlight the realities of living with mental health difficulties.
Youths Highlight Mental Health Matters
A group of young people from Co Antrim have created a short film to raise awareness of mental health matters among their peers. Participants at All Saints Youth Club in Ballymena produced 'Ask, Don't Assume,' to highlight the realities of living with mental health difficulties.
21 March 2022
New Youth Justice Framework To Be Established
A new Framework to establish the strategic direction for the future of youth justice in Northern Ireland has been announced by Justice Minister, Naomi Long. The Framework is accompanied by a 5-year Action Plan and recognises the developments which have taken place in the youth justice system over the course of the past decade.
New Youth Justice Framework To Be Established
A new Framework to establish the strategic direction for the future of youth justice in Northern Ireland has been announced by Justice Minister, Naomi Long. The Framework is accompanied by a 5-year Action Plan and recognises the developments which have taken place in the youth justice system over the course of the past decade.
13 February 2023
Youth Workers Taught To Spot Signs Of Child Sexual Exploitation
The PSNI and Youth Work Alliance have hosted a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event – the first of three training events to support and ensure youth workers across Northern Ireland can spot the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation.
Youth Workers Taught To Spot Signs Of Child Sexual Exploitation
The PSNI and Youth Work Alliance have hosted a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event – the first of three training events to support and ensure youth workers across Northern Ireland can spot the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation.
22 November 2013
Portadown Youth Centre Reopens
St Mary’s Youth Centre in Portadown, County Antrim, has been reopened following the completion of a £890,000 refurbishment. The project was funded jointly by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Education (DE).
Portadown Youth Centre Reopens
St Mary’s Youth Centre in Portadown, County Antrim, has been reopened following the completion of a £890,000 refurbishment. The project was funded jointly by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Education (DE).
13 April 2015
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
