Parents in England and Wales could be fined or jailed for child’s crimes, minister says | Youth justice– www.theguardian.com
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Parents whose children commit crimes could lose their benefits, face fines and even be jailed, a minister has said.
Jake Richards said the youth justice system “should hold parents to account in a proportionate way for ensuring that they play their role in keeping communities safe”.
His comments come after the government set out plans to strengthen and expand parenting orders, which can force parents or guardians to address their child’s behaviour by attending counselling sessions, which can even include residential courses, or face a fine of up to £1,000.
Richards, the youth justice minster, said parents would only face jail “in the most extreme cases” and sentences would be up to judges’ discretion. He described the proposed changes in England and Wales as part of a “carrot-and-stick” approach.
“Parenting orders are going to make sure that parents are more involved in the process by which we try to turn around young offenders,” Richards told the Times.
“Yes, that will have some stick. It could be custodial, or docking benefits – ultimately it will be up to a judge. But we want them to be more involved and that comes with responsibilities as well.”
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