SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society Guardian | Prevention, not detention: “by the time most children and young people reach the youth justice system, the majority are already damaged and deprived.
So what can be done? The above article and think piece that explores youth crime issues. My thoughts as we ponder who we should vote for….
How about decision making on the philosophical rediscovery of the founding principles of this city’s heritage, the empowering and enabling of an educated egalitarian society. We should not be seeking difference based on who has, and who hasnt. Our difference should celebrated, embraced and valued….enriching each and very ones quality of life. Politics has to drop the ‘its them’, the othering and lableing focus that gives us insane sexist and ageist laws the likes of the ‘boy racer’ bill. It is deluding us into thinking that we can legislate moral behavour. It is inequitable, and such laws should be gone before lunchtime.
They serve no functional purpose, fail to deliver the outcome intended and cost us [all] dearly.
First, we must re-build community youth services. We must engage more young people in education and vocational training, and not resort to ‘zero tolerance in the classroom’. We need to make sure that mainstream services meet the needs of children already on the edge of society. Second, we need to work with parents who, for whatever reason, are ill-equipped to provide a structured, caring environment for their children.
Too many commentators seem to think that preventing youth crime is a matter primarily for the criminal justice system. It is not. Too often we’re told that longer, harder spells inside will cure the nation of its youth crime ills. They will not. Preventing youth crime is an issue for everyone – politicians, teachers, doctors, youth workers and parents.
Only by listening carefully to young offenders, and looking hard at the role that our mainstream services must play, will we make real progress.”
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