Single Homeless Project’s Post

Concerned about the potential dehumanisation resulting from the proposed Criminal Justice Bill? We are too. The persistence of homelessness in 2024 signals a broader policy failure, not the failure of any one person fallen on hard times. The proposed UK Criminal Justice Bill could criminalise homelessness, imposing fines up to £2,500. Join us in the conversation to discuss compassionate and positive solutions and social impact, not punishment and criminality. #EndHomelessness

Crisis are right: criminalising homelessness creates more hardship for those already facing tough times. It doesn’t address reasons people face homelessness, or help positive change. It only traps people further into the system.     We’ve seen this happen for people we support. The reasons people experience homelessness are complex, and usually follow a series of difficulties – which will just be made harder to resolve.  A more compassionate and effective approach would be to properly fund homelessness services that offer immediate, and ongoing, support . We can’t have a society with so many cracks in it, and then stigmatise and punish people when they fall in. It’s approaching the issue from the wrong direction. In the longer term we must create and protect funding streams ringfenced for opportunities and the futures of communities. This year, funding for homelessness services was increased in Wales. Before that, we wrote of the importance of doing this, and of the stories, hard work and differences made that we’ve seen within our own homelessness and crisis projects.  You can read more about that here:  https://lnkd.in/eP9A8tCv

In the words of humanitarian Mother Teresa, “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.” Our response to homelessness should strive to cure this, not perpetuate it. The recent proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill to address "nuisance" rough sleeping in England and Wales risk turning a societal failure into a criminal act. By broadening the definition of "nuisance," we stand on the precipice of criminalising the very act of survival for those without shelter. This approach not only undermines the dignity of vulnerable individuals but exacerbates their plight, particularly affecting women seeking safety in public spaces. We must reconsider our stance. Effective models like Housing First show that homelessness requires compassionate, integrated solutions that address its root causes: a lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health support, and insufficient social services. Criminalising poverty and desperation is not just a step backwards; it is a failure to recognise the complex interplay of factors that lead to homelessness. Let's advocate for policies that prioritise dignity, support, and a path back to stability for the homeless. Compassion, not criminalisation, should guide our approach to this crisis. #Homelessness #SocialPolicy #HousingFirst #CompassionateCare

Recently, Diversion Hub took part in a report by @innovatingjustice, “Housing Is Justice: Exploring State and Local Innovations.” The report focuses on agencies that recognize the importance of housing for those affected by the criminal legal system, as well as how housing instability impacts crime rates. The report encourages contemplation on how prioritizing housing for individuals leaving the legal system can reduce recidivism, citing successful existing programs. “Housing insecurity and justice system involvement often create a reinforcing, vicious cycle that has long-lasting effects for individuals, families, communities, and government systems.” Read the full report here: https://buff.ly/3JqxTX2 #criminallegalreform #housing #instability #housingisjustice #centerforjusticeinnovation

The UK government is rolling out new measures to provide greater support to rough sleepers while addressing anti-social behavior. This comprehensive strategy aims to end homelessness and ensure the safety and well-being of communities across the nation. The approach prioritizes offering a lifeline to vulnerable individuals through support services instead of criminal sanctions.   Amendments #antisocialbehavior #communitysafety #CriminalJusticeBillamendments #governmentstrategy #homelessnessend #roughsleepingnotice #supportservices #UKmeasures #VagrancyActRepeal

Legislative responses to coercive control in Western Australia - a Consultation Outcomes Report The Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime has conducted extensive community consultations to understand coercive control in the Western Australian context. The resulting report recommends a suite of systemic and legislative reforms to recognise and respond to patterns of family and domestic violence behaviours. * The report includes stories about people who have experienced coercive control and contains information that may be confronting or distressing to readers. Recommendation two says: Acknowledge children as victims in their own right within policy and legislative reforms addressing family and domestic violence. Valuing Children Initiative strongly backs Recommendation Two, emphasising the vital recognition of children as independent victims in family and domestic violence policy reforms. We advocate for prioritising child-centric perspectives in decision-making and call on policymakers and advocates to ensure comprehensive support for the unique needs of children affected by such violence. Let's build a future where every child is valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. https://lnkd.in/g4MsyRdn Government of Western Australia Valuing Children Initiative Centrecare #ValuingChildrenInitiative #justice #lawenforcement #criminallaw #politicsandlaw #crimeandjustice #16daysinwa #playyourpart #whatsyourpiece

The first government document I led on, the Ministry of Justice’s response to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee’s report, Cutting Crime; Better Community Sentences, has been published! There is persuasive evidence that non-custodial sentences are, in certain circumstances, more effective than short custodial sentences in promoting rehabilitation, reducing reoffending, and driving down crime. Community sentences provide reparation to the community and address criminogenic needs that may otherwise increase the likelihood of reoffending. The report outlines what work is being undertaken across many different areas to support better community sentence delivery. https://lnkd.in/g_RY_q6N

On Friday we noted a short judgement at Cape Town Magistrates’ Court. The matter concerned four domestic violence applications against our clients. The four applications were linked and consolidated. After filing comprehensive heads of argument, all four applications were dismissed, with costs because the applications were frivolous and vexatious. Some important considerations: An insult does not necessarily fall within the ambit of Domestic Violence. You cannot ascribe pejorative meaning to text and then expect the Court to come to your aid. Do not launch proceedings in the DV Court if there are more appropriate forums to deal with grievances between family members. Hostility between family is not sufficient enough to prove an intent to commit domestic violence. Avoid drawing children into a dispute by all means necessary.

Safe neighborhoods are key to thriving communities forming the bedrock of people’s well-being. It is paramount to empower individuals to contribute, connect, and prosper. Prioritizing crime prevention is the need of the hour as it immensely enhances public safety and promotes the overall stability and welfare of our society. Our government is committed to building a safer and inclusive Ontario. 2023 report on the modernization of the bail system has highlighted, 587 repeat violent offenders who were free on bail committed bail violations resulted in 1,675 charges for failing to comply. Source: OLA A balance between maintaining people’s freedom and protecting our communities ensuring everyone’s rights are preserved is the need of hour. While the government believes in second chances, it is important to look out for everyone's safety. The Ontario government is committed to enhancing community safety and working together with police service across the province to keep Ontarians safe. We are investing about $24 million to strengthen the framework of bail, upholding individual rights, and ensuring the well-being of our community. Learn More: https://bit.ly/ON-Bail24 #SafeOntario #SaferCommunities #StrongerOntario #WorkingTogether #ProtectingCommunities

Successive #governments have used the police to put out political #propaganda and and emasculated in the wake of #BLM as well as #austerity #budget cuts. #twotier policing has not helped. So yes you are right, people do not respect the police. Let them do their job: law enforcement. "The Home Secretary called the rioting that erupted across British towns and cities a “disgraceful attempted assault on the rule of law itself”. #ruleoflaw #justice #politicsandlaw #government #politics #PritiPatel #liberty #mediabias #censorship #leeds #birmingham #westmidlands #midlander #country #midlands #london #lawandlegislation #lawandorder #lawandpolitics #lawyers #criminaljustice #criminaljusticesystem #eastmidlands #blackcountry #wolverhampton #walsall #lichfield #bath #somerset #cheltenham #borderpatrol #bordersecurity #bordercrisis #nationalsecurity #conservativeparty #LabourParty #classwar #sirkeirstarmer #policeinvestigation #racerelations #diversityandinclusion #policebrutality #violencessexuelles #violencesconjugales #criminallaw #courts #crowncourt https://lnkd.in/enFbieWQ