Problem children fail to get psychological support in schools

MANY problem children are getting involved in crime because of a glaring lack of psychological support in primary schools, according to a new report.

The study, Tackling the Underlying Causes of Crime, said many government departments, including the Department of Justice, were not doing enough in terms of crime prevention.

The report, carried out by the National Crime Council (NCC), urged the establishment of crime prevention partnerships involving gardai and community groups across Ireland. The consultation paper said in one area of high deprivation (Dublin’s North inner city) the vast majority of problem children were not getting psychological help.