Stopping Child Recruitment by Gangs: Ireland’s Greentown Programme
Stopping Child Recruitment by Gangs: Ireland’s Greentown Programme
You might be surprised to learn that a significant threat to Ireland’s youth comes not from environmental concerns, but from criminal networks. The Programme for Government mentioned a “Greentown Programme,” aimed at expanding nationally, but the intent isn’t about sustainability or the environment. It’s about tackling a very serious issue: the recruitment of young people by gangs.
The Global Issue of Youth Gang Recruitment
Drawn in by promises of money or threats of violence, children as young as 12 are being used by gangs in serious crimes, from carrying weapons to carrying out murders. This isn’t just a Scandinavian problem – it’s a global one. In Sweden and Denmark, juvenile crime has surged, with children being used as money mules, coerced into violence, and thrust into a life of crime. Denmark has even proposed age limits on social media to prevent online recruitment.
Ireland’s ‘Greentown Programme’: A Crucial Intervention
Recognizing this global trend, Ireland, with the Greentown Programme, is taking decisive steps to protect its children. Unveiled in 2020, it specifically targets the involvement of young people in criminal networks. With trials underway since 2021, the programme has found success in reducing the influence of these networks in trial areas. It provides essential support for both children and families, equipping them to resist gang influence and make positive choices.
“Over the last two years, there have been notable improvements in reducing the influence of criminal networks in the trial site communities,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. “Children and families are now better equipped to resist the “powerful attraction” of criminal network membership and make positive choices. Support comes from the Garda and expert youth justice services specializing in family support and engagement with hard-to-reach young people.”
It’s vital work, since as research shows that gangs have been recruiting young people across Ireland for a while. Ireland is aiming to curb this trend before it becomes a bigger problem in Ireland.
Ireland is taking a proactive approach to protecting kids from these types of harms.
