What is 'Kids Go Free'?
The idea of Kids Go Free developed when Marion and Les Derbyshire were working in the Philippines. It was part of their response to the apparent invisibility of children in jail to the majority of the outside world. Both CNN and ITN had featured the work of an NGO based in Olongapo, Philippines which is rescuing and rehabilitating children and this exposure greatly helped the work there. However, such is the nature of media coverage that it caught public attention for a short time but probably did little in the long term to keep the problem in the public domain.
On its own, increasing public awareness is not enough. There needs to be an exchange of knowledge and ideas and a sharing of practical expertise. There should be a means of conveying inspiration and assistance to those who see the problem around them and want to do something about it.
Heightened awareness and shared knowledge are two important steps in the right direction. The challenge of freeing children from jail and offering them a real chance to turn their lives around also requires action. There are examples of good practice already in place and children are being successfully re-integrated into society. If those models were replicated there would be real hope for children who currently languish behind bars in many parts of the world.
So Kids Go Free is a website – but it is also more than that. Kids Go Free is a group of concerned individuals who see the plight of children in jail and who are determined to do something about it. By registering on the forum you can become a part of that process.
• The first aim of Kids Go Free is to increase awareness.
By providing a long-term presence on the internet, the website aims to keep the issue 'live' and accessible to an enormous number of people world-wide.
• The second aim of Kids Go Free is to provide a consultation forum.
The message board on the website provides an opportunity for professionals, practitioners and other genuinely interested people to enter into discussion online. In this way Kids Go Free aims to spread information and knowledge to those who need it, wherever they are in the world.
• The third aim of Kids Go Free is to promote effective action and enhance the quality of practice.
With the benefit of contact, support and helpful dialogue, those wanting to take action can more effectively meet the challenge of working with children in conflict with the law.
Who is this website for?
Enquirers
The website provides information for enquirers to become informed about the situation and problems of Children in Conflict with the Law. They will be able to:
- read reports of recent research and work in the field
- look at photos that show events in the jails and rehabilitation centres
- gain an understanding of the challenges
- find out how to help
Practitioners
The forum brings together people working with Children in Conflict with the Law. They will be able to:
- find others with similar interests
- learn what is happening elsewhere
- share their experience and knowledge
- find resources for their work
- contribute resources for others
- discuss challenges and potential solutions
Individuals and groups concerned about their local situation
The website will help individuals and groups concerned with the plight of Children in Conflict with the Law and wanting to take action. They will:
- find others in the same field
- discover what’s happening in other places
- raise questions and problems of their own situation
- develop an understanding of the needs of Children in Conflict with the Law
- learn from models of good practice
- clarify their own way forward