This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
YAPSL Garda Youth Diversion Project
Background
In 1999 Youth Action Project Sligo was formed as a partnership between North Connaught Youth and Community Services, Irish Youth Justice Service and an Garda Siochana. Co-Funded by the Government of Ireland & The European Union
Target Group:
YAPSL-GYDP work with 12 to 18 year old in the Sligo Leitrim area that are involved in criminal or anti-social behavior or at risk of becoming involved in this behaviour. Referrals can be made by the Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer (J.L.O), Community Gardai, TUSLA, Home Youth Liaison Service, Probation Service, Schools or through contacting the service directly.
Early Intervention Project work with 8 to 11 year olds who may be at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or need support to maintain positive behaviour. Referrals can be made by Community Gardai, Schools, Parents,Statutory and Voluntary agencies or through contacting the service directly.
Aims of YAPSL:
- Identify young people at risk and plan and deliver intervention programmes
- Direct young people away from conflict with authorities e.g. Gardai, courts, residents and community groups.
- Provide a safe place for young people to discuss issues important to them.
- Develop Gardai and community relationships.
- Provide support to those young people in need of emotional and developmental support.
Objectives of YAPSL:
- To identify and work directly with the young people at risk of being in trouble with the law.
- To provide young people with skills and alternative ways to spend their time.
- To foster positive relationships between young people, local authorities, community groups and those in authority.
What Programmes are available in YAPSL
Individual Work and Group Work:
- Cookery and Life-Skills programme
- Outward bound activities e.g. camping, orienteering
- Driver theory test preparation
- Music lessons
- Copping on-crime awareness initiative
- Alcohol and Drug awareness/education programme
- Fireworks- The dangers
Road Safety Seminar:
The Road Safety programme is an annual joint initiative between YAPS, An Garda Siochana, RSA and Sligo County Council. This event takes place every September. It involves the RSA Roll-over simulator and Shuttle, NCYCS Information Stand, YAPS Project Staff and An Garda Siochana Traffic Corps in position in Stephen Street car park for two days. YAPS Project staff contact all secondary schools in Sligo to book in their group for the event.
Intervention Outcomes:
- Young people have a unique experience of the RSA’s Roll-Over Simulator and the RSA Shuttle.
- An Garda Siochana; Traffic Corp, YAPS Project Staff and the RSA staff were on hand to provide advice and information on road safety issues and learning to drive.
