Plans to publicly identify individuals participating in Community Payback programs could have negative effects on children with parents involved in the criminal justice system, experts caution.
David Lammy, the newly appointed Justice Secretary, faces pressure to reverse the proposed measures, which are slated to be part of the Government’s Sentencing Bill.
Over 20 justice organizations and individuals will send a letter to Mr. Lammy today, emphasizing the importance of well-managed unpaid work schemes in allowing offenders to make amends to their communities. They argue that publicizing participants’ identities in this manner may hinder rehabilitation and efforts to prevent reoffending.
Moreover, the experts warn that such actions could inadvertently harm many children and young people whose parents are subject to community work requirements.
Highlighting the significant impact on children, youth, and families, the letter stresses the need to avoid jeopardizing their well-being in the pursuit of a stricter approach to community sentencing.
Government data shows that almost 200,000 children annually experience a parent’s imprisonment, recognized as an Adverse Childhood Experience. Children with parents in the criminal justice system may encounter emotional and mental challenges, stigma, shame, and bullying from peers, according to the letter.
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.
Ministers have been reported to be advancing powers to publicly shame offenders on unpaid community work orders in England and Wales. This move has raised concerns among experts, including Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, who fears it could lead to more offenders dropping out of the programs.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson defended the practice of unpaid work as a means for offenders to publicly acknowledge their wrongdoing and contribute to the communities they harmed. The spokesperson stated that the Sentencing Bill will introduce measures to enhance the visibility of this sentence and demonstrate justice in action.
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