CSAN Criminal Justice Project
Background
The CSAN Criminal Justice Project was inspired by a study visit made to Caritas Ambrosiana in September 2010 to learn more about their work in the criminal justice arena. The project has been funded by the Plater Trust for one year from May 2011, and seeks to build on earlier on work by CBCEW on criminal justice issues, in particular A Place of Redemption (2004) as well as new opportunities for dialogue between the Catholic Church and government following the Papal visit in 2010.
The project is being taken forward at a time of intense political and public interest in criminal justice issues. This presents challenges and opportunities. We are keen to ensure input and involvement throughout the project from the CSAN network and other Catholic organisations and individuals involved in this field.
The aims of the project are :
- to stimulate debate through reflection on criminal justice within and beyond the Catholic Church
- to develop Catholic Church policy on criminal justice
- to inform the development of government policy on criminal justice
- to propose practical initiatives by the Catholic Church in England and Wales in support of its policy on criminal justice
The aims may be summarised as deepening debate – informing policy – initiating action
Deepening Debate
Deepening and improving the quality of debate on criminal justice issues is an important aim of the project. As part of the process a theological and criminal justice policy seminar will take place in September 2011.
The seminar will revisit the theological insights of A Place of Redemption seven years on from publication; set these in the contemporary criminal justice policy context; learn from perspectives of those directly involved with the issues; and identify from the above emerging themes and policy issues for further work. Speakers are currently being approached and are not yet finalised.
Informing policy
In order that the project make a thoughtful and timely contribution to criminal justice policy debate, it is proposed that a distinction be drawn between principles and policy.
Review of A Place of Redemption and the current policy context suggests a number of key policy topics where issues of principle are involved:
- crime prevention
- victim support
- sentencing policy
- custodial and community penalties (including resourcing and payment by results)
- resettlement
- probation
Initiating action
We envisage the project moving on from policy to action in spring 2012. This will be done by identifying existing criminal justice initiatives from within the Catholic community; assessing scope for wider adoption of current good practice; and exploring opportunities and resources for new projects.
To support this phase of the project CSAN will undertake a mapping process with the aim of identifying existing criminal justice projects and initiatives within the Catholic community. We invite those engaged in criminal justice work within the Catholic community to tell us more about the work that you do, as part of a specific project or initiative, or less formal work which supports those directly affected by crime and the criminal justice system (including prisoners, victims, ex-offenders and their and the families, and those working in the Prison Service)
Further details on CSAN's Criminal Justice Project can be obtained from Christopher Driscoll on 0207 901 4877 or email chris.driscoll@cbcew.org.uk
Download 'A Place of Redemption' here or to order a hard copy of please email chris.driscoll@cbcew.org.uk
