Plans to publicly identify individuals participating in Community Payback programs could have detrimental effects on children whose parents are involved in the criminal justice system, experts caution today.
David Lammy, the newly appointed Justice Secretary, is facing pressure to reverse the proposed measures, which are expected to be part of the Government’s Sentencing Bill. Over 20 justice organizations and individuals are sending a letter to Lammy, emphasizing the importance of well-managed unpaid work programs in enabling offenders to contribute positively to their communities.
The letter states that the act of “naming and shaming” individuals in this manner may not aid in their rehabilitation or the reduction of reoffending rates. Additionally, it could lead to unintended negative consequences for numerous children and young people with parents under community work obligations.
The potential repercussions on children’s rights and well-being should not be overlooked in the pursuit of stricter community sentencing policies, the letter asserts. Nearly 200,000 children annually experience a parent’s incarceration, classified as an Adverse Childhood Experience by the Government.
Children with parents entangled in the criminal justice system often face challenges such as emotional distress, stigma, and bullying, as highlighted in 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.
Reported by The Guardian last month, government officials are pushing to implement measures that involve photographing and publicly identifying offenders assigned to unpaid community work in England and Wales. Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, expressed serious concerns about the potential impact, fearing it may lead to more offenders abandoning their obligations.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice defended the use of unpaid work as a means for offenders to make amends publicly and contribute to their communities as part of their punishment. The Sentencing Bill aims to increase the visibility of this sentencing approach to demonstrate accountability and justice to the public.
