The objectives of diversion are to—
| (a) |
deal with a child outside the formal criminal justice system in appropriate cases; |
| (b) |
encourage the child to be accountable for the harm caused by him or her; |
| (c) |
meet the particular needs of the individual child; |
| (d) |
promote the reintegration of the child into his or her family and community; |
| (e) |
provide an opportunity to those affected by the harm to express their views on its impact on them; |
| (f) |
encourage the rendering to the victim of some symbolic benefit or the delivery of some object as compensation for the harm; |
| (g) |
promote reconciliation between the child and the person or community affected by the harm caused by the child; |
| (h) |
prevent stigmatising the child and prevent the adverse consequences flowing from being subject to the criminal justice system; |
| (i) |
reduce the potential for re-offending; |
| (j) |
prevent the child from having a criminal record; and |
| (k) |
promote the dignity and well-being of the child, and the development of his or her sense of self-worth and ability to contribute to society. |
Housing Development Agency Act, 2008
