A new bill criminalising the recruitment of children into gangs won’t be effective unless parents are also held to account. 

That’s according to Support After Crime Services Director Sally Hanlon, who said parents have a responsibility to protect their child. 

“If they’re letting their child roam and get into gangs knowingly, then they have to be accountable,” she told Lunchtime Live. 

An attentive parent should be able to tell if their child is being groomed into a gang, according to Ms Hanlon. 

“If your child has extra funding, extra clothes, or is bringing home stuff that they possibly couldn't get, the question is where did they get it,” she said. 

Penalties

Ms Hanlon said she'd “leave the decision of penalties to the powers that be” - but they should ensure parents are “aware” of their children’s behaviour.

“By being aware, you can address it,” she said. 

The Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 seeks to put a five-year prison sentence for those who groom children into crime. 

However, Ms Hanlon said the current proposal does not properly prevent children from being "groomed" into gangs.

Early intervention

Councillor Hazel de Nortúin said parents are typically aware if their children are in gangs through Gardaí and youth therapists. 

“We need a support and structure around them,” she said.

“If you’re taking just a child alone in a chaotic situation, working with them and sending them back home, you’re losing all of that [support]. 

“It’s far more effective to have that family support.” 

Boy hiding face with hands. Image: Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo

Early intervention is essential to prevent minors engaging in criminal gang activity in the long-term. 

“Nobody wants to see it get to the point where a child is lashing out or thinks it's normal to engage in some activities that escalate,” Cllr de Nortúin said. 

“You have to build up trust with them... the Garda isn’t going to be an adult they can build up trust with.” 

'Where were the parents?'

Christy told the show the bill should focus on “restorative justice” rather than harsh punishment for children in gangs. 

“[We need] a restorative justice system where it’s compulsory on parents to attend,” he said. “Parents have to face up to the crime and explain why their child doing this – where were you?” 

“What kind of environment is the child growing up in?” 

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