Some discussion came up the other day regarding the use of Community Payback orders. Instead of recieving a short term jail sentence, someone found guilty can be ordered to carry out a period of unpaid work. Someone from the local Community Payback scheme had spoken at the Guild, and he said that organisations such as churches could apply to have work carried out as part of the scheme. The possibility of getting the hall painted was floated.
Some people seemed quite excited about this, although my impression was that it was less about the idea of helping to rehabilitate former offenders, and more about getting some work done for free.
I was the voice that was expressing concern about the Church being directly involved in the penal system. Should we be seen to be part of the punishment? I'm certainly not happy about people seeing Community Payback as a means of getting work done on the cheap.
Would it be better if we supported organisations that work with former offenders? The first that came to mind was the Princes Trust, and I know there are others. Even if they do the same work, is it better to be showing that we welcome you when the crime is in the past, rather than being part of your punishment?
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