Garda Diversion Programme

Annual Reports of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme

About the Garda Diversion Programme

If a child gets into trouble with the law, the Gardaí (the Irish police force) may decide to caution and keep him/her under supervision rather than go to Court. This programme, operated by the Garda Youth Diversion Office, provides that in certain circumstances a young person under 18 years of age who freely accepts responsibility for a criminal incident can be cautioned and supervised as an alternative to prosecution.

Since its inception in 1963, this programme has proven a very successful mechanism for leading young people away from a life of crime. Because it has been successful, the Garda Diversion Programme exists across the country and operates on a statutory basis under Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.

A child may also agree, as part of a caution, a number of actions which he/she will do to address the hurt that they have caused. This can include an apology to the victim, a form of compensation, a curfew or to take part in a sporting or recreational activity. Children on the programme may also be referred to Garda Youth Diversion Projects.

Annual Reports of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2015 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2014 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2013 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2012 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2011 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2010 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2009 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2008 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2007 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2006 (English)

Annual Report of the Monitoring Committee 2005 (English)