24th July 2025
Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation has been formally recognised for its ‘A Life of Choices’ intervention programme designed specifically for young people involved in the justice system. The award was made by a national accreditation committee consisting of youth organisation representatives, members of An Garda Síochána, civil servants and academics which recognised the programme as excellent, demonstrating ‘a sustained commitment to achieving beneficial outcomes for young people’. The process is supported by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes and Practices (REPPP) project based in the School of Law, University of Limerick.
The award is the first of its kind made by the national accreditation committee. The committee seeks to identify and promote excellent practice with young people involved in the justice system which can stand up to rigorous scientific examination, using criteria informed by the European Union Crime Prevention Network.
A Life of Choices is an intervention programme that helps youth workers to work with young people to improve a range of issues such as impulsive behaviour, anti-social friendships and drug use; all linked in some way to offending behaviour. The programme which is presented in a manual provides practice guidance and exercises designed to improve practical engagement with young people along with the scientific evidence supporting the approach.
A Life of Choices has been a long time in development in Foróige and has been refined, tried and tested over the years informed by external evaluation by NUI Galway and significant staff input. The programme offers the opportunity for youth workers to improve the effectiveness of their engagement with young people without being overly-prescriptive. In making the award the panel recommended ‘the use of this resource as a core offering within Youth Diversion Projects and more generally in any work targeted at young people while tackling the underlying causes of offending behaviour.’
Dr John Bamber, Adjunct Professor, University of Limerick and Chairperson of the accreditation committee said “This tried and tested programme helps youth justice practitioners to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to improve their life chances. In highlighting the active mechanisms that make a difference, it has relevance beyond youth justice to all those supporting young people.”
Seán Campbell, Foróige CEO said: “It’s great to see A Life of Choices formally recognised at national level. Developed by Foróige through years of learning, reflection and collaboration, the programme is a trusted, evidence-informed tool for youth justice work. It reflects Foróige’s commitment to supporting youth workers to build meaningful relationships and create space for real, lasting change in young people’s lives. We’re grateful to the Accreditation Panel for their recognition, and to our partners for their continued support.”
Damian O Donovan, JLO Sergeant, Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau, accreditation committee member. ‘As a member of the national accreditation panel it is my privilege to recommend this award to “Life of Choices” by Foróige. This excellent resource is an insightful and highly recommended evidence-based intervention for use within Youth Diversion Projects. Life of Choices is both comprehensive, and user friendly which supports Youth Justice Workers intervene and educate young people to reflect, and ultimately make better choices for their future away from the criminal justice system. Congratulations Foróige.”
Louise Cadwell, accreditation committee member and part of Crosscare’s practice development team commenting on the new national accreditation award said “On behalf of Crosscare I would like to congratulate Foróige on being awarded accreditation for their innovative ‘A Life of Choices Programme’. As part of the accreditation panel I was impressed with Foróige’s attention to detail, rigorous critical reflection and encouragement of young people’s input into the development of this programme. Crosscare are delighted to have a central role in this exciting partnership committed to celebrating practice that supports young people making real changes in their lives.
Linda Kearin Accreditation Committee Member and Youth Diversion Project Co-ordinator Kerry Community Youth Service, Youth Work Ireland, added ‘The accreditation process marks a key step for Youth Justice in Ireland, recognising quality interventions with young people and helping build a strong evidence base to inform future practice in the Irish context..’
Minister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for Law Reform, International Law and Youth Justice, Niall Collins, said:
“Congratulations to Foróige on being formally recognised by a youth justice national accreditation committee, supported by my Department, for its ‘A Life of Choices’ youth justice intervention programme.
“‘A Life of Choices’ is a true example of excellence in the field of youth justice, particularly in how it outlines ways to help youth workers improve their effectiveness when engaging with young people involved in the criminal justice system and ultimately helping them avoid a life of crime.
“My Department is proud to join youth organisation representatives, members of An Garda Síochána and academics in commending Foróige on their work and giving ‘A Life of Choices’ the recognition it deserves with this accreditation.”
Foróige’s ‘A Life of Choices’ Programme, is a skills building group work resource suitable for young people aged 12 to 17 years. The resource, which enables facilitators to explore crime and offending and the underlying causes of these behaviours with young people, is underpinned by principles and practices found to be effective in reducing offending behaviour. It supports young people to engage in pro-social behaviour such as managing their emotions and dealing with conflict. The programme begins with a range of assessments which can be used in conjunction with any assessment methods already in place. 12 core modules then frame a skills building phase, with each building on the skills learned in the previous module. While all groups complete at least six core modules, the programme can then be tailored to the needs of participants using 16 elective modules. The manual is accompanied by additional resources to ensure that the programme is engaging for young people and facilitators are fully resourced. A Life of Choices must only be facilitated by practitioners trained in the use of the programme.
