A Parenting Order is an order under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The Parenting Order was designed primarily to help and support parents when their children get into trouble.

A Parenting Order can be made by the Court when a young person has:

• been convicted of an offence
• been made the subject of a Child Safety or Anti-Social Behaviour Order
• committed offences under the Education Act 1996

What does it mean?

The aim of the Parenting Order is to give parents guidance and advice to help them deal with the problems of being a parent.

The Order will be overseen by a Probation Officer, Social Worker or a Youth Offending Team Officer.

What will parents have to do?

• Attend counselling or guidance sessions for up to three months.
• Exercise control over the young person and ensure that they attend school and improve their behaviour.
• Comply with the court imposed conditions.

What are the rules?

You must:

• Attend the counselling or guidance sessions.
• Comply with requests from your Supervising Officer.
• Comply with efforts to improve the young person's behaviour.
• Comply with Court imposed conditions.

What if I do not keep the rules, or co-operate?

You will be asked for an explanation by the Supervising Officer who will review the case and decide whether to take action for breach of the Order.

If you do get taken back to Court, you can be fined up to £1,000.