Children and young people

Parents of children who have not been going to school or who have been getting into trouble with the police may have been struggling with their child’s behaviour for some time and trying to get help without success. They may be asked to attend court with their child. This may mean that, as well as their child being sentenced, they will be given a Parenting Order.

What is a Parenting Order?

This is an order under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It gives parents support, guidance and training for up to three months to help them prevent their child from re-offending and/or help them get their child attending school every day.

What happens under a Parenting Order?

Parents are asked to attend a series of sessions aimed at helping them improve their child’s behaviour. This could be by way of individual or group work sessions.

The court may add other requirements, lasting for up to 12 months, including making sure:

• their child is at home during set hours,
• that she/he attends school regularly and on time.

Who can be given a Parenting Order?

Any parent or carer that a young person lives with can be given a Parenting Order (including step-parents). A parent who is not living with the young person but is in regular contact may also be issued with an order separately from the other parent.

How does the court decide to issue a Parenting Order?

The court must collect information on the family circumstances and what effect a Parenting Order may have. This is called an assessment.

What if a parent does not go to court?

A Parenting Order can be made without the parent or carer in court. When a parent attends, it gives them a chance to express their views, if the court asks for them.

They will also be able to get legal advice from their solicitor about being placed on a Parenting Order and on their rights to appeal against it.

What if the child cannot attend?

They must telephone the named responsible officer and explain the reasons why they cannot attend. They may be asked for a doctor’s certificate if they are ill.

What if parents do not keep to the conditions of an order?

If they do not give genuine reasons for this, they will be in breach of the order. This means they will be given a written warning and if they still fail to attend, a review meeting will be called. If, after these procedures, they still do not comply with the order, they will be taken back to court. The court can:

• fine them (up to £1,000),
• re-sentence them, which could result in them receiving an absolute or conditional discharge or a Community Rehabilitation Order.

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