Mairead Seymour

‘Just Waiting’: The Nature and Effect of Uncertainty on Young People in Remand Custody in Ireland

This article examines the feelings of uncertainty experienced by 62 young people, aged 16—21, detained on remand in Ireland. It argues that this experience of uncertainty is an important phenomenon since it can lessen their ability both to cope while in custody and to progress after release. While it is acknowledged that the nature of remand custody will always involve some uncertainty, it is argued that greater compliance with international standards for treating young people deprived of their liberty would reduce the damaging effects of their experience of uncertainty.

Promoting the participation of seldom heard young people: a review of the literature on best practice principles.

1. Introduction p.1. 1.1 Background 1.2 Who participates? 1.3 Structure of the report 2. Methodology p.6. 2.1 Literature selection 2.2 Critical engagement and synthesis 2.3 Thematic structuring of the review 2.4 Research advisory group 3. Legislation and policy context p.9. 3.1 International context 3.2 European context 3.3 National context 3.4 Conclusion 4. Seldom heard young people p.24. 4.1 Who are ‘seldom heard’ young people? 4.2 Conclusion 5. Setting the context: the challenges and barriers to participation for seldom heard young people p.29. 5.1 Barriers and challenges to participation for seldom heard young people 5.2 Barriers and challenges to participation for seldom heard young people in school/student councils 5.3 Conclusion 6. Representing the perspectives of seldom heard young people in participation structures p35. 6.1 Improving seldom heard young people’s inclusion in participation structures 6.2 Conclusion 7. Improving participation experiences for seldom heard young people p.42. 7.1 Young people’s perspectives on meaningful participation 7.2 Levels of participation 7.3 Youth development versus youth involvement approaches 7.4 Methods of participation 7.5 Informal participation 7.6 The whole-systems approach 7.7 Outcomes from participation 7.8 Conclusion 8. Drawing key messages together p.53. 8.1 What do we mean by ‘seldom heard young people’? 8.2 Defining participation 8.3 Barriers and challenges to participation for seldom heard young people 8.4 Considerations for the development of more effective approaches to participation 9. References p.67

Transition and Reform: Juvenile Justice in the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland has a population of 3.9 million of this figure 29% are under the age of 20 years and 37% are under 25 years. Despite increasing immigration, Ireland still remains a relatively homogenous country with over 90% of individuals categorised as Irish and 88% of the population classified as Roman Catholic (Central Statistics Office, 2002). In April 2005, Ireland had the lowest rate of seasonally adjusted unemployment (4.2%) in the Eurozone compared to an average of 8.9% (Eurostat, 2005). Ireland also had the second lowest rate of youth unemployment (7.9% compared to an average of 19%) in the same period.

Increasing the potential for diversion in the Irish criminal justice system: The role of the Garda Síochána Adult Cautioning Scheme

Established in 2006, the Garda Siochana Adult Caution Scheme provides a mechanism to divert adult offenders, aged 18 years and over, from the criminal justice system by way of a formal police caution in lieu of prosecution before the courts. Drawing on statistical data provided by the Central Statistics Office, this paper explores the use of the scheme over a five year period from 2006 to 2010. It identifies the types of offences for which cautions are most commonly administered, the age and gender profile of offenders involved, variability in the application of the scheme across the country, and the extent to which offenders come to the attention of An Garda Siochana post-caution. Overall, the paper analyses the role of adult cautioning in the Irish context and provides some observations on the potential for increased diversion, through expanding the remit of the scheme in future years.