Lionsvilla (1971 to 2006)

Lionsvilla Our major Project from 1971 to 2006. This was a hostel for young offenders between the ages of 16 and 20. It had maximum accommodation for fifteen but the usual number was six to ten. The boys were referred by the Probation Officer but the hostel was administered by six members of our club who formed a board of directors. Five full time social workers were employed and the main funding of the project came from the Department of Justice.

Lions Villa was opened in 1972 as a response to a category of young offenders known to the Probation & Welfare Service. It was run by the Dublin Lions Club who employed staff to manage the project. Lions Villa was jointly sponsored by the Dublin Lions Club and the Probation & Welfare Service and was funded by both the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Dublin Lions Club.

Aims

Lions Villa was a drug and alcohol-free hostel that offered residential care and vocational training in a structured environment to a group of young offenders who were on probation. It aimed to help the individual to avoid criminal behaviour and to develop an honest and productive life-style.

Values

The majority of the young people referred to Lions Villa had a history of minor offences and were at risk of more serious offending. They had often suffered serious personal problems and some had experienced family breakdown. Lions Villa offered boys placed in the hostel an opportunity for evaluating personal and social situations within a supportive environment and acknowledges that within each individual there was the capacity for positive change. Lions Villa recognised that each person has innate value and dignity and deserves to be treated fairly, openly and with respect.

Referrals

Referrals were made through the Probation and Welfare Service on behalf of male offenders in the 15-18 age group who were on probation. Each application was routed through and endorsed by the Senior Probation and Welfare Officer and was then presented to the Chairman of the Management Committee for consideration and approval or otherwise. At this stage an interview was arranged with the hostel manager and arrangements for the placement are agreed.

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