(21kb)asbo
concern
We are a campaigning alliance of organisations and individuals who are concerned about the use of anti social behaviour orders in our communities. BELIEFS 1. Anti-social behaviour can cause distress and misery but the response to it must be appropriate, just, proportionate, positive and effective. 2. Asbos are a punitive measure that can criminalise people for behaviour that is not criminal. They are often imposed solely on the basis of hearsay evidence. 3. Asbos do nothing to deal with the causes of anti-social behaviour and can distort the work that is being done to build stronger communities. 4. The government is increasing the use of Asbos, despite the fact that there is no evidence that they work. Home Office figures show that more than four in ten Asbos have been breached. 5. Asbos are increasing the prison population, with people jailed for breaches of Asbos even when the
original offence would not carry a prison sentence. Around 10 young people a week are imprisoned this way. Asbos can also result in the eviction of whole families. 6. We want properly funded community and youth services and support for people with mental health, drug and alcohol or other social problems. This will help build an inclusive society.
AIMS 1. To bring together those concerned about the way asbos are used - charities, professionals, trade unions, community groups, young people and others - in a joint campaign. 2. To publicly highlight the problems with asbos and the need for alternative ways of tackling anti-social behaviour that do not criminalise people for behaviour that is not criminal. 3. To counteract the scapegoating and stigmatising of children, young people and other vulnerable groups. 4. To campaign for properly funded youth services and support for those who need it. 5. To campaign for a full public government review of asbos and the way they are used.
SIGNATORIES Organisations: NAPO, CYWU, Inquest, British Association of Social Workers, Children's Rights Alliance, Action on Rights for Children, Fair Play for Children, Brent Youth Company, Legal Action for Women, CAMPACC - the Campaign Against Criminalising Communities, Holborn GMB, The Green Party, Respect, Red Pepper, activistnetwork.org.uk, International Prostitutes Collective, UKNSWP, Scottish Prostitutes Education Project, Forum on Prisoner Education, Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, Carlisle Carers Association Individuals: Tony Benn, Caroline Lucas MEP, Gareth Peirce, Louise Christian, Bernard Davies, Janet Batsleer (head of youth and community work, Manchester Metropolitan University), Matt Foot, Helen Gregory (young people's service manager, Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service), Iain Taylor (chair of equalities board, Greenwich Young People's Council, personal capacity), Elizabeth Harding, Liz Richmond, Rev Ray Gaston, Dr Jane Ferrie (Department of Epidemiology and Public
Health, University College London), Mike MacNair, Jon Davis, Hilary Wainwright, Deena Haydon, Professor Phil Scraton (Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Queen's University, Belfast), Dr Barry Goldson (senior lecturer, department of sociology, Liverpool University) I would like to add my name/my organisation's name to the Asbo Concern statement Name ....................................................................................................................................................................... Position (if any) ............................................Organisation........................................................................................ Donation..........(please make cheques payable to Asbo Concern) Please return to Asbo Concern c/o K Falcon, NAPO, 4 Chivalry Road, London SW11 1HT or email
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