Bail supervision scheme hailed a success at event in University of Limerick

A LIMERICK scheme which is offering courts an alternative option to detaining young people in prison has been heralded a success.

The launch of Extern’s five-year strategy, Vision 2030, took place at the University of Limerick (UL) Pavilion. 

Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins said at the launch that Extern has had “an instrumental role in delivering youth justice service here in Limerick”. 

Extern is a community and voluntary organisation that provides services to support adults, young people, families and children. 

They have a number of youth justice services in Limerick, including operating two Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and operating the Bail Supervision Scheme (BSS). 

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The BSS offers courts an alternative option to detaining a young person by offering them the possibility of granting bail with intensive supervision. 

Intensive supervision has been shown to reduce future offending, easing pressures on remand spaces for children in the immediate term, and reducing the need for detention in the longer term.

At the launch of the strategy, Minister Collins said: “I want to particularly acknowledge the significant positive impact Extern’s services have had on young people in Limerick through the bail supervision scheme and the operation of two youth diversion projects.

“There are two projects here in Limerick, the Safeside Youth Initiative and Janus Justice.

“After the initial success of the scheme in Dublin, the scheme has since been extended to Cork and here in Limerick, which is having a hugely positive impact.

“I am honoured to launch Extern’s five-year strategy and I look forward to continuing to partner with them over the coming years to deliver these crucial services to our young people who need them most as we build stronger and safer communities.”