News
Youth Justice Agency addressing youth crime in Newry and Armagh (11/03/2009)
The Youth Justice Agency relaunched its Community Services office in Newry on Friday 6 March. Local councillors, statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and community groups were welcomed to the event where they were given an insight into the valuable work the Agency does with young offenders from the Newry and Armagh areas.The Youth Justice Agency offers a range of interventions to young people who have been involved in crime and works closely with them and their families to address their offending behaviour and have a positive influence on their future.
Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency, Bill Lockhart, paid tribute to the staff from across the Agency’s directorates. He said “Since the launch of the YJA in 2003 it has continued to break new ground in the fight against youth crime and in reducing reoffending. We also fully recognise the needs of victims and through our Youth Conference Service we bring victims and young offenders together to find a positive outcome for all involved. The Community Services teams then play a vital role in supporting young people to make reparation for the crimes they have committed.”
Patricia McKeaveney Manager of the Newry and Armagh team said
“ Newry and Armagh is a large geographical area and in 2008 our staff dealt with 93 young people who have been involved in offending . Each case is unique, and we must remember that behind the statistics there are children, families, and carers who face a range of complex situations, needs and challenges. Our staff do a fantastic job in engaging and working with young people who have been involved in offending, however our success also relies heavily on the close working relationships with partner agencies and through the support of the local community.
“In the coming year we are keen to increase our partnership arrangements with community organisations, especially regarding early intervention initiatives, and with the public to raise awareness and build confidence in our work with young people.”
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