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Oberstown shortlisted for two European Social Services Awards

October 01, 2026

 

Oberstown Children Detention campus is pleased to share that our Steps+ career guidance project and our Director, Damien Hernon, have been shortlisted for awards at the European Social Services Awards 2026 (ESSA 2026).

The theme of ESSA 2026 is Social Services: Breaking Down Silos, Building Systemic Change which echoes Oberstown’s goal of maximising the potential of our young people. The awards are organised by the European Social Network, which represents over 200 organisations across 38 countries. Selection as a finalist in two categories of ESSA 2026 is a recognition by our international peers of the outstanding efforts and dedication of all the Oberstown staff and external partners who work together to bring about positive change for our young people and our communities.

The award winners are selected in a two-step scoring process that combines an Expert Judging Panel and an Online Public Vote. Online voting for the public opens on 30 September 2026, and Oberstown is asking for the public’s support in showcasing this work at the European level.

 

To participate in the public vote, follow this link: Public vote | European Social Network

 

Steps+ recognised for use of technology in social services

Oberstown submitted the Steps+ project under the category of Digital Transformation and Technology Social Services Award. This award recognises an organisation that has successfully implemented a technology-driven solution to improve the delivery, coordination, and accessibility of social services.

Helping the young people understand their strengths, skills and interests — and where these can lead — is a core part of both the Education and Preparation for Leaving elements of our CEHOP® model of care. The Steps+ (Skills, Training, Education, Person-Centred Support) project is a career guidance platform that helps young people in Oberstown to explore their skills, interests and strengths and link these to education, training, and employment opportunities. The digital platform allows young people to explore their strengths and interests and store certificates, awards, results, and work experience records. These records can be shared with key workers, teachers, training staff and external agencies, helping maintain support when a young person leaves detention or moves between services.

More than 200 young people have had a Career File set up and engaged with Steps+ since it launched. A full-time Career Guidance worker was appointed in 2022, the first dedicated post of its kind on campus.

When asked, young people have said that taking part has improved their confidence, showed them options they thought were closed, and illuminated new paths forward:

  • "Steps+ shows you what you are good at and what jobs you can get. I know how I can change my life now, once I stay out of trouble."
  • "I didn't think I could go to college without high points in the Leaving Cert. Now, I know about the Trinity Access programme and PLC courses. I am going back to 6th year now, when I get out in the summer."
  • "The Careers Counsellor has helped me with interviews and talking to people. Steps+ has really helped me to feel that I am good enough."

Being shortlisted recognises Oberstown's organisational commitment to innovation, participation, and hope. It also celebrates the staff and partners who co-designed and deliver Steps+ in the shared belief that a young person's future should be shaped by their strengths and aspirations. Steps+ is delivered with a network of external partners, including Solas Project, Pathways, Cherry Orchard Equine Centre, Image Fitness, Java Republic, Jungheinrich, Mr. Price, Way 2 Work, and more recently Technological University Dublin.

 

Damien Hernon shortlisted in Leadership in Social Services category

The Expert Judging Panel shortlisted Oberstown Director Damien Hernon for his role in positioning Oberstown as a progressive example of youth justice reform both at the national and international levels. They have recognised his wide-ranging leadership in enabling the ongoing work of ensuring that Oberstown is a rights-based, collaborative, and European-facing youth justice service.

 

How to vote for us

To vote for Oberstown, click here and select Oberstown in the Digital Transformation and Technology Social Services and the Leadership in Social Services categories.

We would also like to recognise the other organisations on the island of Ireland whose submissions were shortlisted:

  • Citizens Information Board – AskCI – An AI-powered Chatbot for Citizens Information
  • TUSLA – Include Youth: Give and Take Programme
  • HIQA – Using Plain Language: National Guidance on Accessible Communication
  • TUSLA – William McNamara: Building Ireland’s Aftercare System
  • Office of Social Services Northern Ireland – Safer and Effective Staffing Guidance for Social Work in Northern Ireland

The winners will be announced at the ESSA 2026 ceremony in Rome on 19-20 November 2026.