David Romero McGuire PhD

CEO
Work Area
UK CEO
Role
Diagrama Staff
Location
Murcia
About
David Maguire reflects on his personal and professional journey, discussing the importance of working with young people and the community. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to youth justice that integrates education, mental health support, and mentorship.
Quotes
  • "We need to work with the kids and also everything around them—their families, the community, and the system itself."
  • "Education is a fundamental piece, but it has to go beyond the classroom—it’s about life skills and personal growth."
  • "Change is possible when we provide the right support at the right time."
  • Diagrama Focus

    David highlights how the Diagrama model differs from conventional youth justice systems by prioritising education, rehabilitation, and reintegration over punishment. He notes that the model’s success stems from its focus on building relationships between young people and staff, fostering a sense of trust and security that is often missing in punitive systems. According to David, Diagrama’s approach ensures that young people do not just serve time but actively work towards personal development and reintegration into society. He emphasises that the model’s emphasis on skill-building, therapy, and education results in dramatically lower recidivism rates compared to traditional youth detention settings.

    Key points
  • David discusses the significance of a holistic approach to youth justice.
  • He emphasizes the value of mentorship and community engagement in rehabilitation.
  • His experience highlights the need for cross-cultural learning and international collaboration in improving youth justice practices.
  • He believes that a strong foundation in education and mental health support is key to breaking cycles of reoffending.
  • David advocates for system-wide reform that moves beyond punitive measures to focus on healing and empowerment.