Oberstown Director Pat Bergin today (Monday May 12, 2017) welcomed the launch of Ireland’s first Bail Supervision Scheme for young people.

“This scheme will help to promote greater stability for young people once they leave the safe and secure environment of Oberstown,” Mr Bergin said.

“It offers high level professional support, to ensure young people are met at their point of need. The scheme includes supports like training, education and health-related services.”

The Bail Supervision Scheme (BSS) was officially launched at Government Buildings today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone, T.D.

Operated by the social justice charity, Extern, the pilot scheme offers an alternative to detention for young people.

Prior to the launch of the scheme, if a young person had been denied bail, breached previous bail requirements, or incurred new charges when on bail, they would have been remanded to detention in Oberstown Children Detention Campus until their next court date.

Now, rather than the young person remaining in detention until their court case is finalised, staff in Oberstown Children Detention Campus have the option of making a referral to the scheme on the young person’s behalf.

The scheme caters for up to 25 young people in the Dublin area each year, aged between 12 and 17, and operates out of the Dublin Children’s District Court.

Extern uses the evidence-based approach of Multisystemic Therapy or (MST) in its work with young offenders. MST focuses on addressing all of the environmental systems that impact upon chronic and violent young offenders, including their homes and families, schools and teachers, communities, and friends.

ENDS

For more information find the Department of Children and Youth Affairs press release here.