Court rulings involving a parent can have profound and lasting effects on a child. Compassionate sentencing offers a justice-based yet empathic approach, helping to ensure that when parents face criminal proceedings, the rights and well-being of their children remain a central consideration. This approach seeks to give children affected by parental imprisonment a voice, recognising them as individuals with inherent rights.
This study explores examples of how compassionate sentencing is being used in certain contexts in Europe, with a particular focus on Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) and Portugal, while also referencing practices in other countries. Drawing primarily on desk research and insights from COPE members and affiliates, the paper is divided into two main sections: an analysis of the awareness of compassionate sentencing and children’s rights within sentencing processes, and a review of existing practices in Europe and beyond.
A briefing paper has also been prepared to provide a concise overview.
Read the briefing here.
Read the full paper here.
Special thanks to Thea Engzén Sandberg for drafting the paper and to Anders Larson for drafting the briefing.