Practical measures and strategies
Minimizing the impact of the parents’ contacts with the criminal justice system on the children at the time of sentencing
Recommendation 19:
The best interests of the child should be considered when dealing with offenders with parental responsibilities. Decision making at the time of sentencing can be improved by ensuring that the impact of the decision on the offenders’ children is considered. Minimize children’s separation from their parents in conflict with the law by limiting the use of imprisonment whenever possible and appropriate.
- Provide courts with accurate information about an accused’s family situation and the potential impact of sentencing and bail decisions on family members, including through a pre-sentence, Gladue or cultural impact assessment report.
- Introduce the use of children/family impact assessments or statements at the time of sentencing.
- Where a custodial sentence is being contemplated, take into consideration the rights and best interests of any affected child and a child’s right to have their views considered.
- Use alternatives to detention or community-based sentences, as far as possible and appropriate, especially in the case of a parent who is a primary caregiver.
- Ensure that non-custodial sentences take account of an offender’s parental responsibilities.