Current campaign: Shifting Focus
We are currently working towards a campaign focusing on the potential for a shift in justice resources to prevention and early intervention - 'from criminal justice to social justice', in other words.
Our campaign is based on the findings of a research study, commissioned by IPRT, Barnardos and IAYPIC, under the working title Choosing to Tackle the Causes of Crime: The Case for a Shift of Justice Resources to Prevention and Early Intervention.
A key aspect of the campaign will be the promotion of examples of successful interventions from here and abroad; a positive offshoot will be the dispelling of myths about young offenders and their pathways into crime, and about the effectiveness (or not) of punishment.
We have been gathering the evidence here:
Shifting Focus: From Criminal Justice to Social Justice 23rd September 2010
On Thursday 23rd September 2010, IPRT, Barnardos and IAYPIC will jointly host a 1-day conference to consider how Ireland might begin to refocus our approach to crime and social policy. Read more
Report: Promoting and protecting offenders’mental health and wellbeing 24th August 2010
(England & Wales) A newly published policy document shows that there is a link between mental illness and offending that cannot be ignored; the paper sets forth a nuanced agenda for policy changes that can tackle this underlying cause of crime. Read more
England & Wales: Government launches review into the effectiveness of early intervention 28th July 2010
The government has launched an independent review into how early intervention projects can improve the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children. Read more
England & Wales: New report urges greater use of restorative justice in reducing youth offending 15th July 2010
Restorative justice crucial to making a fresh start in tackling youth crime, according to a new report. ‘Time for a Fresh Start’ is the result of the first-ever independent inquiry into youth crime and antisocial behaviour. Read more
England & Wales: New report on tackling gang membership 23rd June 2010
A new report, published today, by the three independent inspectorates for prisons, probation and police, has revealed a "patchy and, at times, counterproductive" approach to tackling gang membership among children. Read more
UK: 'Criminalising young people is counterproductive' 21st June 2010
In an article in the New Statesman, Rod Morgan, former chair of the Youth Justice Board, argues that criminalising young people is counterproductive and creates lifelong offenders. Instead, what is needed is a complete overhaul of youth justice. Read more
Sunday Tribune: €500k a year each to house troubled teens 23rd May 2010
The levels of funding for Children Detention Schools should be matched for prevention and early intervention schemes. Read more
Never Too Late: Public Attitudes to Juvenile Rehabilitation 22nd April 2010 
US research reveals more positive attitudes to juvenile rehabilitation than expected. Read more
The Crime Report: Justice Reinvestment 20th April 2010
An article in The Crime Report offers an overview of the current status of the justice reinvestment movement in the U.S. Read more
ESRI Report: 1 in 6 Drop Out Before Leaving Certificate 15th April 2010
A new report released today shows alarming numbers of children leaving school without completing Leaving Certificate examinations. Read more