Ending the criminalisation of children in residential care

DOI10.1177/0264550518771457a
Published date01 June 2018
Date01 June 2018
AuthorSharon Brereton
Subject MatterResearch & reports
In regard to rehabilitation, the entry criteria for the Building Skills for Recovery
programme were revised to include NPS drug misuse due to the current trend.
However, there is not any evidence that the accredited programme is utilised, either
by the National Probation Service or the Community Rehabilitation Companies.
Although this comprehensive inspection identifies NPS use within England and
Wales, there is not any published data relating to the relationship between NPS and
crime statistics. Additionally, there is not any recorded data of NPS misuse within
probation settings. The inspection further identifies that NPS is likely to be linked to
serious organised crime. If this information were to be collated this would give
another dimension to the extent of the problem and effectiveness of the criminal
justice system.
Overall, the inspection did not identify good working practice within the pro-
bation services, with just a few examples of effective collaborative working.
Essentially, the whole system is found to be out of date and ill-equipped to manage
the epidemic. Staff in all agencies generally lack the knowledge and skills to
effectively recognise and deal with the levels of NPS misuse. There is also an
absence of consistency in provisions across divisions. Further research into this area
can only strengthen the battle against this drug and enhance public protection.
New Psychoactive Substances: The Response by Probation and Substance Misuse
Services in the Community in England – A joint inspection by HM Inspectorate of
Probation and the Care Quality Commission, November 2017. Available at:
https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/inspections/
Laura Adams
NPS (South East)
Ending the criminalisation of children in residential care
This briefing paper is the first in a series that will be published alongside a pro-
gramme of research and campaign work by The Howard League to end crim-
inalisation of children living in residential care. Based on research, the project has
found that this group of children were being criminalised at a much higher rate than
other children. The paper refers to one of the overarching aims of the project, which
is to understand why so many children in children’s homes get into trouble.
It is worth reviewing the data that show the state being the corporate parent to
100,800 children between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016, which is an
increase of looked-after children of 5 per cent since 2012. Of this group, 74 per
cent are living with foster carers and the rest are looked after in children’s homes,
secure units, residential schools, hostels or residing at home under the supervision of
social services. Available data confirms that as at 31 March 2014, 5220 children
were residing in children’s homes.
It is highlighted that the number of children being criminalised whilst living in
children’s homes cannot be fully determined due to the limited data local authorities
are required to give to the government. Thus, figures significantly under-represent
220 Probation Journal 65(2)

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