New legislation effective today aims to protect children from being coerced or influenced by adults into criminal activities. The Criminal Justice Act 2024 imposes penalties of up to 12 months imprisonment for summary conviction and up to five years on indictment for those found guilty of this offence.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, emphasizes the importance of stopping adults from leading young people into criminal paths, which can have lasting negative impacts on their lives and communities. The Greentown Programme provides crucial support for at-risk youth, helping to divert them from criminal networks and offering assistance to both the children and their families.
By cracking down on those who exploit vulnerable children for criminal purposes and providing intervention programs to redirect their path, the government is taking proactive steps to prevent the cycle of crime and ensure a better future for the next generation.