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Parents could lose benefits or face prison for child's crimes, minister says
- 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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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 22%
C 56%
R 22%
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