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26/09/2024
Minister Opens New Juvenile Justice Centre
A new residential juvenile justice centre has been officially opened by Justice Minister, Naomi Long.
The residential unit at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre near Bangor, at the Youth Justice Agency facility, has been newly refurbished as part of a programme to provide a child friendly, therapeutic and modern environment for young people between the ages of 10 and 17. Woodlands is a safe, secure and stimulating environment, where staff provide support for up to 48 boys and girls, helping them to address their offending behaviour, diverting them from crime and assisting their integration back into the community.
Opening the new facility, Naomi Long said: "The interventions being delivered in Woodlands are designed to address offending behaviour, raise victim awareness, and reduce the risk of reoffending by helping young people to make better life choices. It is important therefore we also ensure the facility in which these services are being delivered are modern and child friendly with a therapeutic environment.
"The refurbishment of the residential unit will also help staff by creating an environment which has a positive impact on attitude, mood and behaviour of the young people in their care."
The Minister added: "Of course, there also remains a continuing need for a collaborative cross-departmental approach to tackle the underlying societal issues that lead to offending, and to multi-agency delivery of early interventions to prevent vulnerable young people from coming into contact with the criminal justice system."
During her visit, the Minister also took time to praise Youth Justice Agency staff for their commitment and dedication to steer young people away from offending behaviour.
Naomi Long said: "On this, Hidden Heroes Day, I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet staff in Woodlands and to acknowledge the value of the work they do. Today's visit has given me the opportunity to see the range of interventions being delivered by the excellent staff to meet the health, education and emotional needs of young people in their care."
The residential unit at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre near Bangor, at the Youth Justice Agency facility, has been newly refurbished as part of a programme to provide a child friendly, therapeutic and modern environment for young people between the ages of 10 and 17. Woodlands is a safe, secure and stimulating environment, where staff provide support for up to 48 boys and girls, helping them to address their offending behaviour, diverting them from crime and assisting their integration back into the community.
Opening the new facility, Naomi Long said: "The interventions being delivered in Woodlands are designed to address offending behaviour, raise victim awareness, and reduce the risk of reoffending by helping young people to make better life choices. It is important therefore we also ensure the facility in which these services are being delivered are modern and child friendly with a therapeutic environment.
The Minister added: "Of course, there also remains a continuing need for a collaborative cross-departmental approach to tackle the underlying societal issues that lead to offending, and to multi-agency delivery of early interventions to prevent vulnerable young people from coming into contact with the criminal justice system."
During her visit, the Minister also took time to praise Youth Justice Agency staff for their commitment and dedication to steer young people away from offending behaviour.
Naomi Long said: "On this, Hidden Heroes Day, I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet staff in Woodlands and to acknowledge the value of the work they do. Today's visit has given me the opportunity to see the range of interventions being delivered by the excellent staff to meet the health, education and emotional needs of young people in their care."
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Minister aims for effective criminal youth justice system
Getting youth justice right is a fundamental part of the Government's commitment to delivering an effective and inclusive criminal justice system for Northern Ireland, Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar has said.
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21 March 2022
New Youth Justice Framework To Be Established
A new Framework to establish the strategic direction for the future of youth justice in Northern Ireland has been announced by Justice Minister, Naomi Long. The Framework is accompanied by a 5-year Action Plan and recognises the developments which have taken place in the youth justice system over the course of the past decade.
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21 June 2005
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
