Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP’s) are community based projects which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and / or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility. They are part funded by the European Social Fund 2007 – 2013 and the Irish Youth Justice Service and are supported by the Irish Youth Justice Service in conjunction with An Garda Síochána.

The CYC Garda Youth Diversion Projects work with young people who have come to the attention of the Gardaí, the community or local agencies as a result of their behaviour. GYDP provide suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility, and improve long-term employability prospects.  
CYC’s GYDP’s purpose is to work with young people on issues related to their offending, substance use and/or antisocial behaviour, and through engaging them in a youth work process, support them to address these issues and thus reduce the likelihood they will remain in contact with Criminal Justice Agencies into their adult life.

Central to the work with young people there are a number of overarching principles:

1.    Staff work from a principle of inclusion and that while the content and frequency of our work with a young person may vary, we remain committed to allowing them access to youth service staff and supports.
2.    That the development of a professional youth work relationship with young people is key to the success of a youth work approach.  
3.    That the starting point with all young people lies in understanding their needs as they present them to us.
4.    That the focus of our work with young people is on building resilience and developing their strengths.  

Each project has the involvement of the local Gardaí and Community groups through the project advisory committee and through the appointment of the local Garda Inspector as Chairperson of the Project Committee.  

CYC has ten Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP), based in local youth services and are one part of a comprehensive response offered by the youth service.

1.    The GRAFT Project (Ronanstown) Ronanstown Youth Service
2.    The Valley Project (Quarryvale) Ronanstown Youth Service
3.    The SWIFT Project (Clondalkin) Clondalkin Youth Service
4.    The LAB Project (Loughlinstown/Ballybrack) Dun Laoghaire Youth Service
5.    The SAY Project (Sandyford) Dundrum/Rathdown Youth Service
6.    The Castle Project (Ballyogan) Dundrum/Rathdown Youth Service
7.    Bray New Directions (Bray) Bray Youth Service
8.    The FAN Project (Finglas South) Finglas Youth Service
9.    EFFORT Project (Finglas East) Finglas Youth Service
10.  JETS Project (Swords) Swords/Baldoyle Youth Service.

“Investing in your future”