CUSTODIAL SENTENCES AND SHORT-TERM CARE OF DEPENDENTS

That this House notes that there is no process in place to safeguard the short-term care of dependent children and vulnerable adults in the immediate aftermath of the handing out of custodial sentences to single parents and carers; further notes that this adds to the considerable disruption and distress already experienced by dependents as a consequence of such custodial sentences; considers that it is not the purpose of the criminal justice system to penalise dependents; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure that, in court cases involving single parents and carers, an appointed individual is responsible for taking the necessary details and ensuring that contact can be made and arrangements for care established as soon as possible.