Current Situation
In Dublin’s inner city, particularly the North East Inner City (NEIC), children and adolescents are increasingly being targeted by organised crime groups. These groups groom young people—from a young age—into roles within the drug trade, including drug running, debt collection, and other criminal activities.
Grooming often begins with small gifts, money, or food, creating a sense of loyalty and dependence. Once involved, young people are subjected to manipulation, threats, and coercion, making it extremely difficult for them to exit these networks.
Key Contributing Factors
- Socioeconomic Disadvantage High levels of poverty, unemployment, and housing instability in affected areas increase vulnerability.
- Family and Community Stress Many young people come from homes affected by addiction, violence, or neglect, which can lead to emotional trauma and a lack of protective support.
- Trauma and Mental Health Exposure to violence, intimidation, and exploitation often results in anxiety, depression, and substance misuse.
- Lack of Awareness Families and communities may not recognise the signs of grooming until the young person is deeply involved.
Community Response and Awareness
The NEIC initiative has supported a range of community-led responses to this issue. One notable project is the short animated film “The Runners – A Trafficking Timeline”, developed by ICON and MECPATHS. The film is based on real-life experiences and highlights how quickly and quietly grooming can occur. It is used to raise awareness among parents, educators, and service providers about the signs and consequences of child trafficking for criminal exploitation.
Treatment and Support: ACRA Model
Our services use the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA) to support young people affected by substance misuse and criminal involvement. ACRA is an evidence-based therapeutic model that focuses on:
- Functional Analysis Understanding the triggers and consequences of substance use.
- Skills Development Teaching communication, problem-solving, and drug refusal skills.
- Family Engagement Involving caregivers in treatment to strengthen support systems.
- Positive Reinforcement Helping young people build rewarding, prosocial lifestyles that reduce reliance on drugs and criminal networks.
ACRA has proven effective in helping young people reduce substance use, improve relationships, and re-engage with education or employment.