Following a review by the Howard League for Penal Reform, the Parole Board announced last week that all children being considered for parole will now be entitled to a hearing as soon as their case comes before the board. The Parole Board is an independent body that works with criminal justice agencies to assess the risk prisoners pose to the public and decide whether they can be safely released into the community.
Previously, the board only offered juveniles an oral hearing to consider their parole application if the paperwork in their case did not lead to a recommendation for release.
This prompted the Howard League to publish the Parole 4 Kids report earlier this month, which highlighted that the Parole Board remains one of the few areas of the criminal justice system without specific procedures for children. It said although only a small number of young people went through the parole process, guidance should be introduced to ensure they are aware of their right to legal representation and their right to apply for an oral hearing.
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