The Custodial Remand System for Juveniles in Ireland: the Empirical Evidence

Abstract

This paper documents the present system of custodial remands for children under sixteen years in Ireland. The research includes the entire population of children remanded into custody during the summer of 2000 (N=117). A flow chart model illustrates these young people’s experiences, and the paper highlights issues such as the number of non-offending children who are in custody (21%); the cycle of repeated remands and court appearances (up to 22 repeats); excessive periods of time spent in secure detention (up to 351 days); and the use of remand facilities for those awaiting a suitable residential placement (57%). It provides an important baseline from which to assess the impact of legislative reform in this area. Biographical Note Sarah Anderson graduated from the Dublin Institute of Technology with an MPhil by Research in November 2004. She has a joint honours degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Edinburgh. Her interest in juvenile justice developed through direct work with young offenders in secure custody. Gay Graham is a lecturer in professional practice at the School of Social Sciences and Legal Studies, Dublin Institute of Technology. Area of research interest is Residential Child and Youth Care.