Mentoring young offenders slashes re-offending by 28 per cent

The Reducing Youth Crime in Ireland report is based on an evaluation of Le Chéile’s volunteer mentoring programme and its 2013-15 activities by Dr Kieran O’Dwyer of KC Consulting

According to the report, of the 28 per cent reduction in re-offending, 49 per cent can be directly attributed to mentoring.

It found that mentoring has significant positive impacts for young people in self-confidence, hopefulness, communications, engagement in activities and, crucially, offending behaviour.

Government Minister David Stanton said: “I was very interested to hear about this independent evaluation of Le Cheile’s mentoring service and I commend them for commissioning it.

“The evaluation points to the positive benefits and value of mentoring for young offenders which is good to hear having regard to the ongoing investment by the Government in mentoring for young offenders.

“The reported benefits include reductions in drugs and alcohol use and offending rates and improved communication skills, relationships with parents, family, peers and persons in authority.

“I was particularly interested to hear about the reported average 28% drop in offending given the international experience referred to in the evaluation about mixed results in relation to the positive impacts of mentoring on offending rates.”

Probation Service director Vivian Geiran added: “Mentoring has always been a key part of probation work.

“The relationship between a trained and skilled mentor and a young person can play a crucial part in helping a young person on probation to turn their life around and stay out of the criminal justice system. That is why Le Chéile is such a significant partner in our work with young people. I welcome this report and we look forward to further building on and developing that partnership working into the future.”