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:
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
Guardian: Spending Early on Children in Care 31st March 2010
The complex needs of children in care - why investing in their future is investing in our own. Read more
UK: Cross-party Committee Report on Crime Prevention 23rd March 2010
A new report by the cross-party Home Affairs Committee has called on the government to place more emphasis on early intervention when it comes to dealing with potential young offenders. Read more
UK: Investors to Pay for Prisoner Rehabilitation 19th March 2010
The Guardian reports on a new initiative which will see private investors pay for a project to rehabilitate prisoners and receive a return on their money if reoffending rates drop. Read more
Scotland: Police Chief calls for radical overhaul of community sentences 19th February 2010
Chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, David Strang, calls for a radical change in way the system as a whole works to prevent crime rather than simply mop up the aftermath. Read more
Guardian: Where's the victim support for troubled perpetrators? 17th February 2010
A Guardian article highlights the familiar story that many young offenders are themselves victims. Read more
Support needed for teens leaving care 9th February 2010
Aftercare for those leaving care, will save the government money across many areas including the criminal justice system. Read more