PARENTING skills in certain groups of society have to improve if children are to be kept out of prison in the future, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
Addressing a justice conference, Scottish Conservative MSP Annabel Goldie said in some Scottish communities there was now a third generation of people with no parenting skills, placing too heavy a burden on schools and other local organisations.
She also emphasised the importance of prison being both a deterrent to those minded to commit crime and a rehabilitation centre.
The Conservatives believe parenting skills are key Photo:Amolnaik3k
Scottish Conservative MSP Annabel Goldie said: “In some communities we are probably now into a third generation of parents lacking any parental skills, a void which started with their grandparents.
“This is a major problem.
“We need to start educating young people in schools from their early teens on the reality and obligations of parenthood.
“It is unreasonable to expect teachers to do that, but there is an incredible reservoir of experience in the voluntary and charitable sector willing to help – and we need to harness that.
“We also need to remember that prison serves purposes beyond incarceration – prison must rehabilitate and deter.
“It sends out a very undesirable message if the importance of deterrence is disregarded.
“The prospect of losing liberty is a deterrent and when appropriate the courts must reflect that.”
