‘Name and shame’ guidance slammed

Home secretary Charles Clarke has come under fire over guidance
announced this week urging local authorities to “name and shame”
individuals issued with antisocial behaviour orders.

The Association of Directors of Social Services and charities
criticised the proposals, warning they would put children at
risk.
Chair of the ADSS children and families committee John Coughlan
said there was “no evidence” to show that “naming and shaming”
acted as a deterrent to criminal behaviour.

He added:” We are very concerned about the potential risks this
will pose to children who are vulnerable and out of control. Local
authorities need to ensure there are proper safeguards for the
needs of these children.”

The new guidance states that “publicising should be the norm not
the exception”.

Frances Crook, director of the Howard League for Penal Reform
called the guidance “a cheap piece of electioneering”.

In an evidence session on antisocial behaviour to the Home Affairs
select committee last week, Youth Justice Board chair Rod Morgan
said: “We are extremely worried about any proposition that there be
a presumption in favour of loss of anonymity and publication.”

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