Smith wants donors to fund nationwide youth cafes

THE Minister for Children is looking at generous donors to help fund the Government’s roll-out of youth cafes nationwide.

Brendan Smith is examining the potential of tapping philanthropists for funds to run the youth centres, designed to steer teenagers away from crime and drugs.

More than 30 youth cafes are operating, which allow young people to meet in a “safe, drug-free environment” but which is free of set rules, according to department details.

The new Programme for Government outlines plans to increase the number of alcohol-free youth cafes.

Sylda Langford, director general in the office of the Minister for Children, has said youth cafes will need to be in every county. Their potential to stay open 24 hours will be a decision for parents and local authorities, according to Ms Langford.

Mr Smith’s officials have carried out an initial survey of the existing 30 or so cafes already operating.

It looked at the running, funding, staffing and overall usage of the centres.

The minister’s office, however, has advertised for research on youth cafe models, including international best practice.

“It [a youth cafe] can be a location for relaxation, recreation, entertainment, health information, advice or even direct care/service provision,” said the advertisement.

A guide for setting up further youth cafes is being sought, which will include their location, design and layout, the training of volunteers and the protection of children, as well as insurance for centres.

But Mr Smith also wants to examine how rich donors used to helping to the less well-off in society could help fund the youth cafes.

His office wants information on the sustainability of cafes, the “options of funding from philanthropic sources”.

Last February, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced that e36 million would be invested in a prevention and early intervention programme for children. Some e18m of it is being contributed by the Atlantic Philanthropists, the group led by US billionaire businessman Chuck Feeney.

The programme will focus on three areas of disadvantage for children, including programmes in Tallaght, Ballymun and parts of north Dublin.

Last week, the US ambassador to Ireland, Thomas Foley, said changes in the tax code could encourage the growth of philanthropy. Following an address to the Irish Taxation Institute, Mr Foley told journalists one goal of his term here was trying to develop a philanthropic model.

A spokesman for Mr Smith said: “Funding has not been finalised. We are examining funding streams with the Department of Finance, but are still at the planning stage.”