Madam, - I would like to congratulate RTÉ on its fine Prime Time documentary on juvenile justice last Monday.
I was disappointed, however, that the programme did not place greater emphasis on preventive services for very young children and their families. Given that it can be known from Baptism onwards, as Father Peter McVerry said, which children may become involved with juvenile crime, it is possible to provide services for these children and their families.
Social workers have been advocating such services for many years. They are fully aware that it is not possible to provide them at the moment due to vacant posts and the extra responsibilities which have followed from much needed legislation.
It is vital that sufficient social work services are provided at an early age so that the cycle of crime can be ended for these young people. - Yours, etc.,
MONICA EGAN,
President,
MARY McDEVITT,
Irish Association
of Social Workers,
Pearse Street,
Dublin 2.