Parenting Orders

What is a Parenting Order?

A Parenting Order is designed primarily to help and support parents when their children get into trouble.  A Court may impose an order on a parent or guardian:

• when a child aged 10-17 is convicted of an offence
• when a child aged 10-17 is subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order
• where a Child Safety Order is made
• where a parent has been convicted of failing to make sure that the child attends school.

In imposing such an order, the Court must be satisfied that it is desirable in the interests of preventing further offending or the kind of behaviour that led to the original order being made.

A Parenting Order may consist of two elements:

• a requirement on a parent or guardian to attend counselling or guidance sessions (which can last up to 3 months); and
• requirements encouraging the parent/guardian to exercised a measure of control over the child.

These requirements will be overseen by a responsible Officer, for example a probation officer, social worker, or member of a youth offending team.

What happens if the Order is breached?

If the order is breached the parent/guardian will be given a written warning.  If this doesn't work a review meeting will be held.  Further failure to comply will result in the case being taken back to Court.  This could result in a fine of up to £1000.