Oberstown publishes Profile of Young People in Detention Report for Q1 2019

October 02, 2019

October 2, 2019 - New data has today been published by Oberstown Children Detention Campus which gives an insight into the characteristics of young people in detention in Ireland. The Profile of Young People in Detention Report for Q1 2019 gives a broader understanding of the challenges faced by young people in conflict with the law.

As well as offering insights into offending and sentencing, the data highlights the level of adversity and trauma young people have experienced, including loss of a parent, time spent in care, disengagement from the education system, mental health and substance abuse issues.

During the first quarter of 2019 there 75 young people in Oberstown, either in detention or on remand. Among the key findings in the report, Q1 2019 Profile of Young People in Detention (available at: https://www.oberstown.com/campus-stats/)were:

• 57% of young people were not engaged in education prior to detention whilst 23% of young people had a diagnosed learning disability
• 31% of young people had suffered the loss of one or both parents either through death, imprisonment or no long-term contact
• 71% of young people were considered to have substance misuse problems
• 41% of young people in detention had a mental health need
• 41% of young people were either in care of had significant involvement with Tusla

Director of Oberstown Pat Bergin said: “The data contained in the Q1 Report highlights the range of issues facing young people who are in conflict in the law. Almost a third of young people entering Oberstown have suffered the loss of a parent through death, imprisonment or loss of contact. This is particularly challengingly for young people, many of whom may not be growing up with a positive role model.

In addition, 41% of young people were in care or had involvement with Tusla prior to detention. In Oberstown we have a unique personalised care model for young people that takes into account these challenging factors and is centred on their care, education and health needs. Our mission of helping young people to move away from offending requires partnership with other stakeholders and agencies to support young people both in Oberstown and beyond.”

Chair of Oberstown Board Professor Ursula Kilkelly said: “Almost half of the young people on detention during the first three months of this year had previous remand or detention orders. At Oberstown we are committed to helping young people to address their reoffending behaviour through learning and development across a range of programmes with the aim of reintegrating them back into the community, capable of making a positive and productive contribution to society. We have recently worked in partnership with organisations such as Java Republic and Image Fitness on unique career skills initiatives for young people and give them the best possible chance to move on with their lives in a positive way after they leave Oberstown.”

ENDS

For media queries contact Fiona O’Connor in Drury Porter Novelli at fiona.oconnor@drurypn.ie / 087 6949601 or Danielle Martin at danielle.martin@drurypn.ie

Note to Editors:

• The Profile of Young People in Detention Report for Q1 2019 is available here
• High-res pictures of the campus can be downloaded here
• CEHOP infographic
• Language guide 

1. Oberstown
   Oberstown Children Detention Campus provides a safe and secure environment for children who are placed in the campus by the Children Court. The objective of Oberstown is to provide children in the campus with education and development to address and change offending behaviour, so that they can return and contribute positively to their families and communities.
   
   In June 2016, a single Oberstown campus was established, bringing together three children detention schools – Trinity House, Oberstown Boys’ School and Oberstown Girls’ School.
   
   
2. CEHOP Oberstown helps young people to address their offending behaviour though a programme centred on their care, education and health needs. This programme is CEHOP, a bespoke Oberstown designed and delivered programme.
   
   Upon arrival, each young person is assessed and an individual care plan is developed by a multi-disciplinary team. This produces a bespoke journey through care plan for each young person. This is achieved through a unique care model, developed by Oberstown, in which relationship building is key addressing core areas of care, education, health, offending behaviours and preparation for return to family and communities.