Parenting Contracts

Section 19 and 25 of the Anti-Social Behaiour ACT 2003 (ASBA), give certain agencies the power to enter into Parenting Contracts offering a structured and balanced way for these agencies to work with parents on a voluntary basis. They are a two-sided arrangement where both the parents and the agency will play a part in improving the young person's behaviour. The Act provides that:

• Schools and local education authorities (LEAs), can enter into Parenting Contracts with the parent(s) of a child who has truanted or been excluded from school.
• Youth Offending Teams (YOT) can enter into parenting contracts with the parent(s) of a child who has engaged in or is likely to engage in criminal conduct or anti-social behaviour.

The contract contains a statement by the parent(s) agreeing to comply with the requirements for the period specified and a statement by the YOT or the LEA agreeing to provide the necessary support to the parent(s) to comply with the requirements.

The power for schools and LEAs to enter into parenting contracts is available in England from 27th February 2004.

The power for the Youth Offending Team is to enter into parenting contracts is available in England and Wales from again 27th February 2004.

As with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, it is important for there to be a clear agreement about the consequences if the terms of the Parenting Contract are not adhered to. If the contract is broken then the agency may apply to the court for a Parenting Order, which makes the requirements compulsory.

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