Foróige has been awarded the national tender for the operation of a new youth diversion project for South Monaghan. This is the first youth diversion project for the area and comes on the back of years of work by local Gardaí and Foróige to secure this much needed service.
Earlier this week, the Department of Justice confirmed that projects in Monaghan, Wicklow, Cork and Mayo will receive funding of funding of at least €1.5 million this year. Colin McAree is Foróige's Area Manager for the East and is also a native of Monaghan town.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Colin said he was "delighted" to finally have a service for young people and their families that live in South Monaghan, having started this journey back in 2007. He added that Youth Diversion Projects such as this work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better life outcomes.
"There's been a lot of research on youth diversion projects and the benefits for young people and families," Colin continued. "That's why they have been so well supported by the Government. So, yes I have seen huge benefits first hand and also then with the work with the staff in trying to re-engage kids with education; and addressing those behaviours that are causing them problems.
"The reality is that we are going too be targeting a core group of young people who are committing between 40% and 60% of all the youth crime in that area and trying to support them and their families."
