The Education Minister has confirmed the further reopening of some youth services in response to recent unrest.
This change will apply to those youth services which operate in areas of heightened community tensions across Northern Ireland.
Peter Weir paid tribute to the services for their "vital role in supporting young people" throughout local communities.
He said: "As a society we should all be appalled at witnessing young people and even children being involved in the recent violence on our streets.
"At this time it is even more important that youth services are able to meet the needs of young people in these areas."
It has been agreed that all youth centres and provisions which operate in areas where there is heightened community tensions can maximise the use of their facilities and services with immediate effect.
This includes the provision of educational visits and residential provision (overnight stays) when there is significant risk of harm or criminalisation of children and young people.
The Minister added: "These measures are intended to safeguard and ensure the welfare of our young people and to divert them from becoming involved in risk taking and dangerous behaviours.
"I want to commend the Education Authority’s Youth Service and all youth workers for their commitment to helping our young people in these very difficult times."
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