Guidance on the use of acceptable behaviour contracts and agreements
The Home Office has published new guidance for front line practitioners on how to make the best of acceptable behaviour contracts and agreements.
Title: Guidance on the use of acceptable behaviour contracts and agreements
Author: Home Office
Number of pages: 28
Date published: August 2007
Availability: Download full guidance 
PDF 542Kb
An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is a written, voluntary agreement between a person who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and the police and local services whose role it is to prevent such behaviour. They involve an acknowledgement by the individual that their behaviour is having a negative impact on the community and an agreement to stop that behaviour. ABCs are useful for stopping low levels of anti-social behaviour but their flexibility means they can also be used in more serious situations.
ABCs can also include positive activities that the individual agrees to complete. Examples include taking part in activities that will help prevent recurrence, such as attending school or college or attending treatment for alcohol or drugs if they are an aggravating factor for the anti-social behaviour.
Guidance aimed at those on the front-line in the fight against anti-social behaviour on how to make the best of ABCs has been drawn up with the support of a range of agencies, including the police and local authorities. It brings together examples of best practice and reflects how ABCs are being used effectively across the country as part of the toolkit for tackling anti-social behaviour.
For more information on tackling anti-social behaviour visit www.respect.gov.uk or call the Respect ActionLine on 0870 220 2000.
Getting a copy
Download Guidance on the use of acceptable behaviour contracts and agreements PDF 542Kb
Last update: Wednesday, October 31, 2007