I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce this important and timely research study on the working of the Foróige /Health Service Executive (HSE)Neighbourhood Youth Projects in the West of Ireland.The study will add significantly to the body of knowledge on what works well for young people dealing with adversity in their lives.

The partnership between Foróige and the HSE (initially the Western Health Board)started over ten years ago.It grew out of the belief that by combining our expertise we could develop a service that would be community based,accessible to young people from the area and could also target those young people who were most in need.It aimed to improve the life chances of young people by enabling them and their families to overcome personal,social,educational or health problems they encountered in their lives.

It is a model of early intervention that aims to prevent the development of serious problems for the young people referred to it.The success of the model is reflected in the findings of the study and it provides a road-map for further development of the Neighbourhood Youth Project (NYP)model.

I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Foróige NYP staff,not just for their work on this study,but for their ongoing dedication and professionalism.I want to thank the HSE for their continued support and faith in Foróige.I want to particularly thank Dr.Pat Dolan and the Child and Family Research Centre,NUI Galway for undertaking the study on our behalf.

The NYP model of adolescent and family support is one we,in Foróige,are ery proud of and we hope that this report will provide impetus for further de elopment throughout the
country.

Séan Campbell
Chief Executive Officer of Foróige

To view the Foróige Neighbouhood Youth Projects PDF document, please click here.