This week Foróige launched the findings of research into the Big Brother Big Sister Garda Youth Diversion Project Pilot, in the Alex hotel, Dublin.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton TD launched the report for Foróige. He said “This research shows the potential life changing impact that the volunteers can have.”
Minister @davidstantontd at the launch of findings of research into the Big Brother Big Sister Garda Youth Diversion Project Pilot with @Foroige @IrishResearch @UNESCO_CFRC @garda #mentoring pic.twitter.com/58wNEoHQH8
— Department of Justice & Equality (@DeptJusticeIRL) July 3, 2018
Minister @davidstantontd 'My Department through the Irish Youth Justice Service is committed to funding Mentoring projects such as Big Brother Big Sister to help young people as risk of offending’ @Foroige @IrishResearch Full speech https://t.co/B12L9ZqptT pic.twitter.com/VMUisdAmlJ
— Department of Justice & Equality (@DeptJusticeIRL) July 3, 2018
Colette Quinn, Chief Superintendent at An Garda Síochána, also spoke at today’s launch. She said “I am a big fan of mentoring... I know it works..”
Among the key findings of the report were:
- BBBS-GYDP was well-received by all stakeholders and was seen to bring benefits to young people in a range of areas.
- The mentoring model complements the work of GYDPs.
- BBBS-GYDP was well implemented, in line with best practice in youth mentoring.
- Key challenges included the ongoing recruitment of suitable mentors, particularly male.
