Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of minors who engaged with Young Persons Probation services in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28098/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Young Persons Probation (YPP) is a specialist division of the Probation Service.

YPP Probation Officers work with children in the community, in detention settings and post-detention, and have been trained in specific approaches to the assessment and management of young people.

I am advised that two key principles underpin the work of YPP, namely that detention be used only as a last resort, and a belief in the efficacy of community sanctions to address factors associated with risk of reoffending for this cohort.

I am advised by the Probation Service that a total of 700 children engaged with YPP in 2023.