CYP Now - Opinion: Debate - Will spotting would-be offenders as babies cutcrime?

Labour is considering asking health professionals and midwives to identify babies and toddlers who are likely to end up committing crime or using illegal drugs, so that the Government can intervene to prevent future lawbreaking.

NO - Will McMahon, acting director, the Crime and Society Foundation

To think that the overwhelming bulk of crime can be attributed to poorand disorganised families is to entirely miss the point. Crime and harmis far more widespread than the Government likes to admit and it isconvenient to point the finger of blame at vulnerable families.

Faced with criminal justice policy failure Labour is revising the oncediscredited infant-determinism last peddled in the 1970s byultra-conservative Sir Keith Joseph.

This is a disturbing development.

YES - Chris Bryant, Labour MP for the Rhondda

Some families are really up against it in bringing their children up andsome problems start to show very early on. For example, when parentsdon't bring children for all their vaccinations.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included