VCSE Justice and Rehabilitation Forum – Looked After Children and Care Leavers in the Criminal Justice System

31st March 2015 at Manchester Town Hall

Executive Summary

The second meeting on the VCSE Criminal Justice Forum focused on the inequalities faced by Looked After Children (LAC) and Care Leavers (CL) in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Views were gathered from a range of organisations working with this group. We are keen to get further input from across the voluntary sector. Please email any comments or questions to or if you’d prefer to discuss any issues or questions over the phone please call Beth Sharratt on 0161 277 1029.

Key Points:

  • Unnecessary Criminalisation

There is significant inequality in terms of the proportion of looked after children in the CJS due to the unnecessary criminalisation of behaviourthat in other children would be seen as pushing boundariesand a natural part of growing up. Work must be done to prevent children from facing unfairly imposed barriers to leading a fulfilling life.

  • The need for a balance between recognising vulnerability whilst challenging perceptions

There is a need to recognise and identify CLs in the CJS as a cohort with a potential set if needs due to their vulnerability, but not to let this allow for stigmatisation or demonization or detract from an asset-focused approach that aims to make the most of YP’s talent and skills and improve their overall wellbeing and potential.

  • Social Care first and foremost

LAC/CL’s behaviour and wellbeing is a social care issue and should be seen as that first and foremost, only when where there has been a transgression of the law should it be seen as a CJS issue, and then only recognising the specific needs of LAC/CL.

  • Workforce development, particularly in relation to children’s rights and the Leaving Care Act is required

Professionals may not ask about whether an individual has been in care as this is perceived as having the potential to be ‘too difficult’. Awareness needs to be raised but must not demonise LAC & CLs. A cultural perspective is needed at every stage.

Awareness also needs to be raised in relation to children’s rights, including the Leaving Care Act, across the board.

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  • The inequality faced by those in the CJS with the state as their corporate parent

Currently services are not adjusting to the specific needs of people that they are targeting which in turn leads to discriminatory practices as support that is available is more likely to influence sentencing rather than the committing of an offence.

  • Potential for diversionary work, advocacy and restorative approaches

It is apparent that LAC is a cohort facing substantial barriers and experience difficulties that are not faced by others. Bearing this in mind, a new approach that takes all of this background into account and focuses on triage, diversion and takes into consideration the unique vulnerabilities of the group, would be appropriate. This is the approach that has been taken in GM in relation to women offenders.

Attendees

Name / Organisation
Daisy Dixon
Darren Coyne
Paul Axon
Beth Powell
Paul Pandolfo
Martin Nugent
Jeff Pollard
John Hannen
Louis Brooks
Beth Sharratt
Nathan Dick
Paul O'Neill
Natasha Hidderley / Antz Junction
Care Leavers' Association
Positive Steps
Rio Ferdinand Foundation
Shelter Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Public Service Reform Team
Greater Manchester Public Service Reform Team
GMCVO
GMCVO
GMCVO
Clinks
The Children's Society
After Adoption