Submitted by crinadmin on
[6 September 2006] - The Howard League for Penal Reform revealed today that local authorities in the United Kingdom are systematically failing to provide suitable accommodation and support for vulnerable children leaving custody, in breach of their statutory duties, and putting the public in danger of further crime. Lawyers at the Howard League for Penal Reform have represented over 100 children in custody. Almost all the children had suffered abuse and neglect; many had a history of being in care or had been homeless. The Howard League for Penal Reform legal team found that local authorities across the country are flouting a whole range of legislation designed to ensure that children do not leave custody bereft of support. Many children are returning to precisely the same situation that led to their imprisonment in the first place. One of the success stories achieved by the Howard League for Penal Reform legal team featured in the new report concerns Mike Mike was 16 years old and in prison. He had been effectively abandoned by his parents and began offending at the age of 13. He had learning difficulties and had a history of drug and alcohol misuse. Prior to going to prison, Mike had been homeless and was stealing food and clothing in order to survive. There were no plans in place for his accommodation and support on release. Despite numerous referrals, the local authority social services department had stated that they would not help Mike as he was 16 years old and could claim housing benefit. The Howard League for Penal Reform lawyers wrote to the local authority and reminded them of their duties to support Mike under the Children Act. A few days prior to release, his local authority agreed that it would live up to its legal obligations to care for him. Chris Callender, assistant director and solicitor at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "Many of the children we have represented are vulnerable and challenging. Some have committed serious offences. Not only do these children have a right to be cared for properly, but if they are not, they will continue to wreak mayhem in their communities and put themselves at risk. They absolutely must be given appropriate support for their sake and for the sake of all of us."