Parents could lose benefits or face prison for child's crimes, minister says

Parents could lose their benefits or face prison sentences for their children's crimes under reforms to the youth justice system, a minister has said.

Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards told the Times newspaper the 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 in May to strengthen and expand Parenting Orders, which can currently compel parents or guardians to address their child's behaviour by attending counselling sessions or face fines.

Richards said prison sentences would only apply "in the most extreme cases" and 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."

Critics of the proposals say engaging with parents on a voluntary basis is generally more effective in building trusting relationships and providing support.

Jess Mullen, chief executive of the Alliance for Youth Justice which represents more than 70 organisations that advocate for children, previously questioned how putting parents in prison would provide "stability or support for the child".

When the government white paper was announced in May, then Justice Secretary David Lammy said that strengthening parenting orders would mean "there are real consequences for parents and carers who wilfully fail to support efforts to address their children's behaviour."

He told BBC Breakfast at the time that if a parent was struggling, then the "judge can intervene to make sure that the young person is getting the support that they need and the parent is doing the best that they can".

He also said he expected the power to jail parents to be used "very, very rarely".

Courts are currently required to consider issuing a Parenting Order where a child under 16 has been convicted of an offence.

They can also consider an order for 16 and 17-year-olds if they believe this would help prevent further offences.