Youth engagement clinics keeping young people out of court - Ford

Date published: 17 November 2015

Responding to an Assembly question David Ford said: “Since the roll-out of Youth Engagement Clinics across Northern Ireland, indications are that youth cases dealt with at Clinics are resolved far more quickly than those which progress to court. This means that the negative consequences of delay in our justice system for both victims and offenders can be reduced.

“Youth Engagement Clinics can help young people make better informed decisions about their options at an early stage by providing advice and support in both a language and setting which is appropriate to their age and level of understanding.

“Participation in the Clinics has helped each young person to take responsibility for, and understand, the consequences of their actions. More importantly, it allows them to get appropriate support to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour and move on with their lives. There is clear evidence that the more we do to prevent young people entering the justice system, the better their long term outcomes.

“During 2014/15, of the 355 young people who attended a Clinic, 95% accepted a diversionary disposal, such as informed warnings or cautions. Provisional figures for the first six months of this year show around 540 children already engaged in this process. This is a clearly preferable path compared to court.”