Parenting
Parenting is very much a centre of focus these days and it seems that not a month goes by without the government introducing some new power to the police and local authorities to make parents take greater responsibility for their children’s behaviour. In particular the courts can impose Parenting Orders on parents when their children have been convicted of an offence, or when the local authority applies to a court for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order; and Education Welfare and Youth Offending Services, amongst others, can invite parents to enter into Parenting Contracts as a way of providing parents with support.
Its certainly true that ‘poor parenting’ can significantly increase the risk of young people becoming involved in anti-social or offending behaviour but the Youth Offending Service recognises that bringing up children can be very difficult. Teenage years especially can be a stressful period for parents as they try to guide young people who are in the process of becoming adults. Of course, it can be even harder for parents when their child commits an offence, and this can happen no matter how good a parent you are. At such times the Youth Offending Service can give advice and support and even courses to help you better manage your relationship with your child. And this can all be done on a voluntary basis without the need for the court to make an Order in the first place.
