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7 Children with Parent(s) in the Criminal Justice System
7.1 Many problem drug and alcohol users have frequent contact with the police and criminal justice system. Children in these households may be exposed to criminal or other inappropriate adult behaviour. Although police intervention may result in the identification of and support for children in these circumstances, it may also lead to social isolation and the loss of one or more parent if the adult is given a custodial sentence.
The impact on a child of a parent in prison is increasingly being addressed by the Scottish Prison Service ( SPS), but the period prior to a prison sentence is also important.
Key issues in relation to children with parent(s) in the criminal justice system Best practice means: - providing support to children whose parent(s) is at any stage in the criminal justice system;
- ensuring that parent-child relationships are maintained, even if the parent is in
long-term custody or prison; - a recognition by support agencies (including nursery, health services and schools) that having a parent in prison may be a difficult but "secret" time for a child; and
- recognising that, where a child is considered at risk, the response should be timely, appropriate and proportionate in line with the approach set out in "Getting it Right for Every Child".
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7.2 Key Action Points
The Executive will undertake the following action to promote best practice in relation to children with parents in the criminal justice system. We will:
- prepare guidance for Social Enquiry Report authors in cases where child protection issues arise in relation to drug misusing offenders -- by late 2006;
- develop guidance on the operation of arrest referral and Drug Testing and Treatment schemes which has regard to safeguarding children of drug users - by late 2006; and
- invite the Drug Treatment and Testing Order ( DTTO) National Operational Group to undertake a review of use of DTTOs with female drug using offenders with a view to applying best practice - by late 2006.
7.3 Work with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland ( ACPOS) to:
- develop internal policy guidance to ensure that all officers are fully aware of their responsibilities and share concerns about the welfare of children with relevant agencies - by August 2006;
- ensure that all police forces review their policies and procedures relating to child protection in order to facilitate a more integrated approach to early identification of children of substance misusers and the issues of appropriate care and support - by August 2006; and
- continue to work closely with the Association of Directors of Social Work ( ADSW) and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration ( SCRA) to take forward a model of integrated assessment that ensures the needs of children of substance misusing parents are identified at the earliest opportunity and responded to effectively - by 2008.
7.4 Work with the Scottish Prison Service to:
- reflect the recommendations in "Hidden Harm" in the SPS "Parent & Baby" policy - by 2007;
- evaluate the benefits to children of male prisoners taking part in the "Storybook Dads" project - during 2006;
- introduce family awareness sessions in all establishments - by 2008;
- develop and pilot a relationship counselling project as part of the Choose Life: Routes Out of Prison Project. The pilot will be run in a male prison and will include peer support, in-prison workshop and post-release counselling - between 2006-2008; and
- develop a parenting programme at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale in partnership with Aberlour Childcare Trust for female offenders affected by substance misuse - summer 2006.
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