Parenting orders
Parenting orders are new under the Crime and Disorder Act. It is designed to offer Parents/Carers support, guidance and training to enable them to exercise greater control over their children’s behaviour.
It can be awarded at Court to the Parent(s)/Carers of young people who:
- Have committed crime
- Failed to attend school.
What if I receive a Parenting Order?
You will have to:
- Attend a Parenting Skills Course, or
- Attend weekly counselling or guidance sessions.
The core requirement is for the parent(s)/carers to attend these sessions on a weekly basis for up to 3 months.
To avoid a repeat of the problems that led to the order, the Court can make additional requirements.
These include:
- That you ensure that your child is at home during set hours and is appropriately supervised
- That you ensure she/he attends school regularly and on time.
What is a Parenting Course?
It is a course that takes place once a week for up to 3 months. Each session will last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. There could be up to 8 other parents attending the same course. Two staff members from the Youth Offending Service will run the course. The course will take place at an easily accessible venue in South Tyneside.
What if I do not attend?
If you fail to attend or keep to the requirements of the Parenting Order, you will be taken back to Court where you could be fined up to £1000 or re-sentenced.
