Tackling anti-social or criminal behaviour by juveniles doesn’t lie in ASBOs or in ignoring the complex issues giving rise to such behaviour: boredom, a lack of appropriate recreational space, drugs, alcohol, dysfunctional family backgrounds and a sense of isolation from society. The children appearing before the Children’s Court are overwhelming young males from backgrounds of disadvantage and poverty. Many children present at the Court with mental health issues, behavioural problems, substance and alcohol abuse. The complexities of these problems are rarely adequately addressed by the Courts.
The Green Party will:
- Fully implement the provisions of the Children’s Act 2001, which provides a wide range of measures to counter anti-social and criminal behaviour;
- Repeal the sections of the Criminal Justice Act that provide for the introduction of ASBOs for both adults and children and fully implement and resource the following alternatives: a) Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and Projects, b) conferencing, bringing together the child, parent(s), Gardaí, educational and social services; and c) Community Sanctions;
- Ensure that the age of criminal responsibility remains at 12 years of age;
- Give additional resources to the Juvenile Liaison Scheme and the Garda Diversion Programme, provide more community Gardaí, and ensure that Gardaí are properly trained for dealing with children in marginalized communities;
- Support and expand programmes such as the ISPCC Schoolmate Drug and Alcohol pilot prevention programme, which provides a direct-access support service to vulnerable young people at risk of early school leaving, due to drug and substance misuse, and addresses the devastating impact that multigenerational drug and alcohol abuse can have on children and families;
- Invest in proper facilities for disadvantaged areas, as was promised under the RAPID Programme.