Parenting Orders

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cdact/parent.htm

Section 8 allows a court to imposes a parenting order in any one of the following situations:

• when a court makes a child safety order;

• when a court makes an anti-social behaviour order or a sex offender order;

• when a child or young person has been convicted of an offence; or

• when a person has been convicted under ss443 & 444 Education Act 1996.

• 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.

• It may consist of two elements:

• a requirement on the parent or guardian to attend counselling or guidance sessions (which can last up to 3 months); and

• requirements encouraging the parent/guardian to exercise a measure of control over the child.

These requirements will be overseen by a responsible officer who will be a probation officer, social worker or member of a youth offending team. Any breach of the parenting order may result in a fine up to £1,000 (level 3).

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