Number of children referred to Probation Service at highest level in 10 years, report shows

Number of children aged 12-17 referred to the service last year was 609, the highest since 2015 and 10% higher than the previous year

The Probation Service is responsible for the supervision and management of people in the community who have offended. It works with gardaí, Courts Service, Parole Board and other agencies to try to reduce re-offending.

The number of people being dealt with by Ireland’s Probation Service in the community is at its highest level ever, with the number of children being referred to the service at its highest level in 10 years.

In its annual report, the Probation Service said continued pressures on the prison system and increased numbers of court referrals were putting the services it provided into sharper focus.