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.
David Lammy, the newly appointed Justice Secretary, is facing pressure to reverse the proposed measures, which are slated to be part of the Government’s Sentencing Bill.
Over 20 justice organizations and individuals are drafting a letter to Lammy, expressing that well-organized unpaid work programs play a vital role in enabling offenders to contribute positively to their communities. They argue against the idea of publicly shaming individuals, emphasizing that it may hinder rehabilitation and reoffending reduction efforts.
The letter highlights potential adverse consequences for numerous children and adolescents whose parents are under obligations for unpaid work, stressing that the welfare of families should not be overlooked in the pursuit of stricter community sentencing strategies.
According to government estimates, close to 200,000 children annually experience a parent’s incarceration, categorized as an Adverse Childhood Experience.
Children with parents entangled in the criminal justice system may encounter challenges such as emotional distress, stigma, and bullying from their peers, the letter further notes.
Noteworthy signatories of the letter include Andy Keen-Downs, the chief executive of the Prison Advice and Care Trust, Dr. Carol Homden of Coram, and Pia Sinha from the Prison Reform Trust.
In a related development, The Guardian recently reported on ministerial plans to introduce measures allowing the photographing and public naming of offenders assigned to unpaid community work in England and Wales.
Reacting to the concerns, Martin Jones, the HM inspector of probation, expressed worry that such actions could lead to more offenders disengaging from the programs.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice defended the importance of unpaid work as a means for offenders to make amends publicly and contribute back to society. The upcoming Sentencing Bill is expected to include provisions to enhance the visibility of this form of punishment, aiming to demonstrate justice being served to the public.