New service to deal with young offenders

A new Youth Justice Service to deal with young offenders is to be set up within the newly-created Office of the Minister for Children, it was confirmed today.

The Service will manage detention facilities and implement a raft of new policies like new anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) for 12-18 year-olds.

It will also oversee the full implementation of the Children’s Act 2001 during the lifetime of the current Government.

Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan said “The Children Act 2001 is regarded as setting a framework for a modern and progressive youth justice system.

“It reflects best international practice. The new Youth Justice Service will provide the leadership necessary to implement the key remaining provisions of the Act in the lifetime of this Government.”

The Taoiseach announced last week that the Office of the Minister for Children would be established to streamline comprehensive policies for children.

Mr Lenihan also announced new structures within the Health Service Executive to deal with non-offending children in need of special care and support.

The Department of Education and Science is to devise a global strategy on educational services for offending children.

The Youth Justice Service will aim to develop a unified crime prevention policy and manage all youth detention facilities.

It will also implement the Children Act 2001 in relation to non-custodial community sanctions, restorative justice and diversion projects.

The Government has provided an additional €1.3m for the commencement of community sanctions in 2006 and a further €1.5m in capital for the development of these services.

Mr Lenihan also proposes to abolish the common law rule that children under the age of seven years do not have the capacity to commit offences.

The rule will be replaced by provisions prohibiting the charging of children under 12 years of age with most offences.

“An exception will be made in the cases of children aged 10 or 11 years in relation to the very serious offences of murder, manslaughter, rape or aggravated sexual assault,” a spokesman said.

Up to €8m has been allocated in 2006 to develop child protection and family support services.