Crime
for children to meet on streets?
Four out of five children fear that Anti Social Behaviour Bill plans will create
tension between them and the police, an independent report reveals.
Children across Britain were asked what they thought of the Anti Social Behaviour
Bill, ahead of a House of Lords debate today (23 October).
A National Opinion Poll, commissioned by a coalition of 13 charities including
The Children 's Society, Barnardo's, NCH, The National Youth Agency and National
Children's Bureau (NCB), found that 78% of 10 to 16-year-olds fear tension will
be caused if police are given the powers to move them on for no reason.
The coalition is calling for the Government to change its plans. An amendment
to clause 31 of the bill would make sure that the local community, including
children, is involved in any decision to give police powers to disperse groups
of two or more children under 16.
The NOP poll also found that of the 10 to 16-year-olds questioned:
- 70% agree that police should not be given powers to move them
on if they have not done anything wrong
- Four out of five say curfews are not fair because not all young
people cause problems
- Three-fifths (60%) believe curfews will stop them doing things
they enjoy
- 81% say that police are very important in helping children
lead safe and secure lives
- 82% of those
questioned reveal that children sometimes "hang
out on the streets" because there is nowhere else for them
to go.
The Children 's Society chief executive Bob Reitemeier said: "It is essential that problem behaviour is tackled. But these plans are discriminatory and, if they go ahead, will damage the trust between adults and children. Police powers to disperse groups and fast-track child curfews may penalise law-abiding children with nowhere to meet. No wonder the children we spoke to felt this was divisive."
Scotland's 'biggest-ever' initiative to reach the 18-30s
The recent Scottish Church Census showed that patterns of church
life have changed dramatically. Now, a new initiative - "ten10 " -
aims to use these new patterns to establish a community of networks
and relationships
by challenging Christians to live out their faith in all walks of life.
The census showed that 120,000 fewer people go to church in Scotland than in
1994. Almost half of this fall (54,000) has occurred among the 18-30s age bracket.
The ten10 initiative has been specifically designed to challenge, motivate
and encourage Christian Generation Xers (18-30's), both inside and outside
the Church.
The £250,000 project, which derives its name from John 10, verse 10,
where Jesus promises "life to the full" to his followers, is being
launched throughout Scotland. Organisers hope to challenge people to Live Like
Jesus, Live With Jesus and Live for Jesus in contemporary society.
It is the brainchild of Mission Scotland, the group behind Billy Graham's
visit to Scotland in 1991 and Release the Power, a major youth event held
in Glasgow
in 1997. Julie Green, ten10's project director, said: "We hope we can
provide the resources, networks and aspirations that can help inspire the 'Friends
' generation to be Church together in our society."
Through the ten10 web site (www.ten10.org.uk) and an e-mail campaign, Christians,
church leaders and other organisations throughout Scotland will be contacted
with details of the project and asked to give their support. Between November
and May 2004, ten10 will organise and host a series of events and conferences
at venues throughout Scotland including Ayr, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh,
Inverness and Stirling.
In May 2004, Thirst for Life will bring 1,000 Christians across Scotland together
for a day of worship and teaching.
©
Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.