Prison not the right place for children

A very short and concise answer to a PQ carrying the title Three Children Being Held In Prison, published on February 9, left me perplexed wondering why, as a society, we continue to engage in actions such as keeping these children in prison when we are far from certain that they will benefit. I would like to point out a few things. Actions taken in relation to children affect them greatly in their future decisions and such experiences do not actually lead to having them grow up in a better way.

Children are to be listened to and given the attention they deserve, so as to increase their potential. This can be achieved by linking them to existing services, and through the development of further community services that can provide guidance and support within their immediate context. Punishing children by placing them in prison is too big a price for them to pay whatever crime was committed. I ask myself whether such decisions are taken in order to serve as a lesson to other individuals and whether we still believe that such actions serve as a deterrent? Are we focusing on what help can be provided in order to help children? Is enough being done?

I strongly believe that our focus should be on the provision of counselling services and support programmes. Our aim should be that of becoming more sensitive towards those individuals who due to particular situations might be more at risk. Such preventive programmes should also target families. Keeping a focus on prevention can be more beneficial as "prevention is better than cure". As a society, we are to keep in mind that the harm done to these children will keep on taunting them, potentially increasing situations of risk, engagement in circles of crime and mental health.