Call for supports to help stop teen 'criminality' spiral

Terry Dignan, chairperson of the Children’s Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association, Crava, and director of Don Bosco Care, has called for early intervention and support for families with children involved in anti-social behavior and crime to prevent criminal activity from escalating. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Dignan expressed concern over the perceived imbalance in public rhetoric following a tragic car accident on the M9 in Co Kildare, where five teenagers died and three others were seriously injured.

While acknowledging the families' grief, Mr Dignan argued that there is a lack of focus on preventive measures and government support for at-risk families. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that includes the implementation of Ireland’s alternative care framework, which emphasizes early intervention and robust support for families struggling with anti-social behavior.

Mr Dignan urged the government to back its stated intentions by allocating resources to prevent more children from falling into criminal activity. He cited successful intervention programs in other countries and noted the existence of effective strategies within Ireland, but stressed the importance of early intervention. While acknowledging public anger and fear following the incident, Mr Dignan stressed that a stronger emphasis should be placed on prevention rather than solely reacting to incidents with harsher penalties.