U.K. plans to track criminal's kids

Community Action, Sept 20, 2004

LONDON, U.K. -- The British government is considering plans to monitor the children of offenders and offer support to ensure they do not follow their parents into a life of crime.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said around 65% of the 125,000 children with a father in prison would end up in there themselves.

Under the proposals, the children of criminals will be tracked from birth to their teenage years. Services will be provided as needed to prevent them joining their parents criminal activity.

In an interview with the Independent, Ms Blears said "I don't think it is stigmatising those children by targeting them."