Plans to publicly identify individuals participating in Community Payback programs could have detrimental effects on children with parents involved in the criminal justice system, experts caution today.
David Lammy, the newly appointed Justice Secretary, is facing calls to reverse the proposed measures, slated to be part of the Government’s Sentencing Bill.
A coalition of over 20 justice organizations and individuals is sending a letter to Lammy, emphasizing the value of well-organized unpaid work initiatives in enabling offenders to contribute positively to their communities. They argue that public “naming and shaming” is counterproductive to rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
Moreover, they highlight the potential negative impacts on thousands of children and young people whose parents are under unpaid work obligations, underscoring the importance of safeguarding their rights and well-being amidst efforts to toughen community sentencing.
Statistics from the Government indicate that nearly 200,000 children annually experience a parent’s imprisonment, recognized as an Adverse Childhood Experience. These children face various challenges, including social stigma, emotional distress, and bullying, due to their parents’ involvement in the justice system.
Notable signatories of the letter include Andy Keen-Downs from the Prison Advice and Care Trust, Dr. Carol Homden from Coram, and Pia Sinha from the Prison Reform Trust.
In a related development, The Guardian recently reported that government officials are advancing measures to publicly disclose and shame offenders mandated to perform community service in England and Wales. This move has raised concerns among experts, with Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, expressing apprehension that such actions could lead to more offenders disengaging from the program.
Responding to criticisms, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson defended the use of unpaid work as a means for offenders to acknowledge their wrongdoing publicly and make amends to society. They asserted that the Sentencing Bill would introduce provisions to enhance the visibility of this sentencing option, allowing the public to witness justice being served.
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