Dublin People - Poorer kids at higher risk of becoming criminals

Home

News

Motoring

Poorer kids at higher risk of becoming criminals

Monday, 24 March 2008

Children from disadvantaged areas like Tallaght and Clondalkin are at a much greater risk of ending up in the criminal justice system than their counterparts in other parts of the city, a new report has revealed.
A study of the addresses of youths appearing at children’s court shows that 13 per cent were living in Tallaght while eight per cent were from the Clondalkin area.
Youths from more affluent parts of the Southside including Donnybrook and Dundrum accounted for just a half of one per cent of those appearing.
The study, carried out by the Association for Criminal Research and Development, was based on a sample of 400 cases. It concluded that a majority of those appearing before the courts came from addresses in Dublin 1, Dublin 11 or Dublin 24.
The trend continued outside the capital as well with areas like Mayfield in Cork and Moyross in Limerick providing a high percentage of young offenders.
Of those appearing in court 86 per cent were out of formal education with a majority having left before completing their Junior Cert.
Public order, robbery and traffic offences accounted for almost three quarters of the charges faced by young people with many facing multiple charges for a single incident.
The typical young offender is described as being a young male roughly 16 years old who does not live with both parents. Many will have a history of substance abuse in their families.

On average a young offender will have faced six charges, one of which will be traffic related, and others drug or alcohol related.
The report recommended that the State intervene in high-risk areas to help stop youths from getting involved in a life of crime.
It also found that many young people are being “socialised” into the criminal justice system through frequent attendances at the children’s court and high rates of detention.
Living in the company of other offenders leaves youths feeling isolated from the rest of society and efforts need to be made to address this, the report added.
The report recommended that detention be used only as a last resort. Currently 16 per cent of young offenders are sentenced to detention.
Suggested reforms include programmes to improve literacy, self-help and reintegration into society.
These programmes must be well resourced, according to the report in order to protect “some of the weakest of our citizens – our young people”.
The Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development seeks to promote reform, development and effective operation of the criminal justice system.

Irish input on new Audi Q5

Saturday, 20 December 2008

I know they mean well and want to show the reviewers that the SUV is capable of handling any kind of terrain. But if we are honest we must admit that most people who buy expensive SUVs wouldn't...
+ Full Story

DHL introduces new vehicle types to fleet

Saturday, 20 December 2008

The new vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van and a Mercedes-Benz Luton box, are the first of the new 200 unit fleet for Ireland which, over a period of 18-months, will replace the current...
+ Full Story

New recovery vans hit Irish roads

Saturday, 20 December 2008

MONDIAL Assistance Ireland has unveiled two new additions to its recovery vehicle fleet. The new vehicles, which are due to hit Irish roads this month, will be equipped with new discreet recovery...
+ Full Story

New Panamera is ever so Porsche

Friday, 19 December 2008

The unique four-seater is the newest member of the Porsche family. Conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, the Panamera combines numerous features of typical Porsche style:...
+ Full Story