Arabic version: قد يواجه الآباء السجن بموجب إصلاحات عدالة الأحداث
According to BBC News, parents could lose benefits or face prison sentences over their children’s crimes under proposed youth justice reforms in England and Wales. Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards said the system should hold parents to account “in a proportionate way” for their role in keeping communities safe.
The government outlined plans in May to strengthen and expand Parenting Orders, which can require parents or guardians to attend counselling sessions addressing a child’s behaviour. Richards told the Times that possible penalties could include custody or benefit reductions, but said imprisonment would be reserved for “the most extreme cases” and decided by judges.
Richards described the approach as “carrot-and-stick”, saying the aim was to involve parents more closely in efforts to turn around young offenders. Courts must currently consider a Parenting Order when a child under 16 is convicted, and may consider one for 16- and 17-year-olds where it could help prevent further offending.
Orders may last no longer than 12 months. Breaching one is a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of £1,000, according to the Sentencing Council. Government statistics show their use fell from more than 1,000 in 2009/10 to 33 in 2022/23.
Critics say voluntary engagement is generally more effective at building trust and delivering support. Jess Mullen of the Alliance for Youth Justice questioned how jailing parents would provide stability or support for a child. Richards also rejected calls to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10, despite the Bar Council and the United Nations backing an increase to at least 14.
