Naomi Long, the justice minister, yesterday cut the ribbon at the new facilities at Charles House, Donegall Street, Belfast, which will also house the Youth Justice Services Belfast Area Team.

The new premises are designed to create a safe, inclusive and trauma-centred environment for children, young people, families and victims.

They include a designated reception area, additional training rooms, a functioning kitchen to facilitate reparative and development opportunities for children and young people, and multi-sensory rooms for children with neurodivergent and sensory processing needs.

Mrs Long said: “The Youth Justice Agency plays an important role in diverting young people from the formal youth justice system, and in the delivery of interventions to address offending behaviour, raising victim awareness and in reducing the risk of reoffending.

“These new multi-functional offices will support their dynamic business needs and allow staff to increase their engagement, identify unmet needs and promote positive and sustainable relationships with children and young people.”

The minister added: “While the physical environment is important in the delivery of services, the true strength of the Agency lies in the professional, highly skilled and experienced staff working within the Belfast Area Team.

“Having met many of them today I can say they are highly motivated and deliver the highest level of care for the children, families, carers and victims who they work with.”

The ribbon-cutting event also coincided with the launch of the YJA’s performance impact report for 2023-24 and the publication of an external evaluation of Children’s Diversion Forums.