JCP making it madatory to work full-time

Poppie68

The law does not set a minimum age at which children can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk.

I can't see that JCP is breaking any law as there is'nt a law and certainly no malpractice. If they are saying as a condition of claiming JSA parents of 14 year olds and above are required to seek full time work with hours set between 8am and 8pm i think they are being very generous, they could say take any job regardless of hours ie: night work.

OP if you did actually speak to a police officer and they told you it was a criminal offence to leave a child 17 or under alone please speak to them again and point them in the direction of NSPCC website for some education.


Its a shame some parents and society gave up the idea of 'Latchkey kids'.

ILW

missapril75 wrote: »

It rather sounds like someone might be completely misunderstanding what someone else has said or is failing to appreciate that an individual sometimes doesn't know what they're talking about and is not speaking with any authority.

Seems someone is hearing what they want to hear. (as it means they have a reason for not doing a full time job)

concerned43

Don't know why I bothered posting, given the responses!
1) I am not unemployed
2) I work for CAB
3) we are getting enquiries about this subject and I wanted to see how widespread it is.
4) there is no law regarding children being left alone
5) if child is left alone and something happens to them, then parent/s can be prosecuted with neglect and SS appointed.
6) it is not the role of JCP to state that there is a law that 14+ can be left alone - there is no such law
7) JCP giving out wrong information that can have serious repercussions for child/ parents.
8) JCP threatening parents with benefit sanctions if they do not take full-time job because of child care issues!
9) Police confirm that they can and do prosecute parents!

Good to see the sheep following the Tory propaganda:(

missapril75

concerned43 wrote: »

Don't know why I bothered posting, given the responses!
2) I work for CAB

All the more reason for you to be aware that what people say they have been told is often very different to what has actually been said or they have interpreted it incorrectly.

Poppie68

OP to maybe clear the matter up why don't you just call JCP yourself and ask them if they are indeed stating that such a law exists. Surely as a CAB advisor you would have to have this clarified straight from the horses mouth before you can advise.
Also i would contact your Police commisioner to seek further advice regarding charges and prosecuting as some children have already fled the nest for either various reasons before they reach the age of 17.

Dogger69

concerned43 wrote: »

9) Police confirm that they can and do prosecute parents!

Again, the police do not prosecute anyone, the CPS decide who to prosecute.

Seems you need to review your sources of information?

FBaby

1) I am not unemployed
2) I work for CAB really? That's worrying!
3) we are getting enquiries about this subject and I wanted to see how widespread it is.
4) there is no law regarding children being left alone Indeed, so children can be left alone if deemed not a risk
5) if child is left alone and something happens to them, then parent/s can be prosecuted with neglect and SS appointed. CAN shouldn't be interpreted as LIKELY. What is means is that if you leave a 2 year old alone, you are very likely to be prosecuted. If you leave a 17 year old, you are very unlikely to be prosecuted. However, because a 17 year old could be vulnerable, it could happen.
6) it is not the role of JCP to state that there is a law that 14+ can be left alone - there is no such law Are you taking for granted what people are telling you? Because I very much doubt anyone at the JCP has claimed there is such a law, however, it is easy to imagine that is what has been interpreted by those not happy to be told that have to work full-time
7) JCP giving out wrong information that can have serious repercussions for child/ parents. Do you have evidence that is what they are saying? I hope it is not what you are telling people coming to seek advice from you!
8) JCP threatening parents with benefit sanctions if they do not take full-time job because of child care issues! GOOD
9) Police confirm that they can and do prosecute parents! See above

Good to see the sheep following the Tory propaganda:( Aren't CAB employees trained to provide unbiased advice?

dodger1

concerned43 wrote: »

The point I am making is that JCP are saying its the law! When in fact it isn't! I have checked with the police and they say they can prosecute Anyone who leaves a child (-17yrs) if that child is left a.one and something happens to them! My point is that it is not up to JCP to make up the law!

The police have given you incorrect information.

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents-and-carers/parenting-advice/home-alone/home-alone_wda90761.html

https://www.gov.uk/law-on-leaving-your-child-home-alone

missapril75

missapril75 wrote: »

All the more reason for you to be aware that what people say they have been told is often very different to what has actually been said or they have interpreted it incorrectly.

What was said - what was alleged/interpreted

We need a bank statement - they called me a liar/didn't believe me.
That's the personal allowance - they expect me to live on that pittance.
You already had a crisis loan to cover you to next Monday - they said I have to starve until next week.
You don't qualify for a grant for a deposit - they said I should commit a crime and have a roof over my head that way.
You need to give details about what that £5000 was spent on - they told me I can't spend my money without permission.

All real examples that I can recall without too much difficulty.

dodger1

concerned43 wrote: »

Don't know why I bothered posting, given the responses!
6) it is not the role of JCP to state that there is a law that 14+ can be left alone - there is no such law

And there is no law that says 14yr olds can't be left on their own.