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Parents could lose benefits or face prison for child's crimes, minister says
The reforms would let judges order counselling, fines or prison in extreme cases as parenting orders fell to 33 in 2022/23, officials said.
- Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards announced government plans to toughen Parenting Orders, allowing parents to lose benefits or face prison sentences for their children's crimes under the reformed system.
- The government's youth justice reform plans follow Phase One of the Southport Inquiry report, which found "catastrophic" failures by the Southport killer's parents and various agencies meant clear chances to prevent 2024 child murders were missed.
- Government statistics show Parenting Orders usage declined from more than 1,000 in 2009/10 to 33 in 2022/23. Courts currently consider issuing orders for children under 16 convicted of an offence.
- Former Justice Secretary David Lammy said strengthening orders means "there are real consequences for parents and carers who wilfully fail to support efforts to address their children's behaviour," while Richards stressed prison sentences apply "in the most extreme cases."
- Critics argue engaging parents voluntarily is more effective, yet Ministers aim to implement a "carrot-and-stick" approach with parents held "to account" for their role in keeping communities safe.
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Parents could have benefits stripped if their children commit crimes under youth justice crackdown
Parents could have their benefits stripped or even face prison as Labour prepares a major crackdown aimed at holding families to account for youth crime.Justice Minister Jake Richards said parents should face consequences if they fail to play their part in keeping their children out of trouble.The Government plans to strengthen the use of Parenting Orders, which can require parents to take specified steps aimed at preventing their children from …
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources3
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
C 67%
R 33%
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