Transforming Youth Detention: Giving Effect to the Rights of Children Deprived of Liberty

The UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty detailed many children’s poor experiences in detention, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Applying a child-centred model of detention that fulfils the rights of the child under the five themes of provision, protection, participation, preparation and partnership, this original book illustrates how reform can happen. Drawing on Ireland’s experience of transforming law, policy and practice, and combining theory with real-life experiences, this compelling book demonstrates how children’s rights can be implemented in detention.

This important case study of reform presents a powerful argument for a progressive, rights-based approach to child detention. Worthy of international application, the book shares practical insights into how theory can be translated into practice.

Ursula Kilkelly is Professor of law in the School of Law at University College Cork. She is chairperson of the Board of Management, Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

Pat Bergin was the first Director of Oberstown Children Detention Campus. He is now Head of Service at the National Forensic Mental Health Service.