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Part 3E+WParental responsibilities

Parenting orders under the 1998 ActE+W

18Parenting orders under the 1998 ActE+W

(1)Section 8 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) is amended as follows.

(2)For subsections (4) and (5) substitute—

(4)A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

(a)to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and

(b)subject to subsection (5) below, to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer.

(5)A parenting order may, but need not, include such a requirement as is mentioned in subsection (4)(b) above in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

(3)After subsection (7) insert—

(7A)A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (4)(b) above may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied—

(a)that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in preventing any such repetition or, as the case may be, the commission of any such further offence, and

(b)that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

Commencement Information

I1S. 18 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(i)

Truancy and [F1misbehaviour at] schoolE+W

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 19 cross-heading substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 97(4), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, art. 2(g)

19Parenting contracts in cases of [F2misbehaviour at] school or truancyE+W

(1)This section applies where a pupil has been excluded on disciplinary grounds from a relevant school for a fixed period or permanently.

[F3(1A)This section also applies where a [F4local authority] or the governing body of a relevant school have reason to believe that a child who is a registered pupil at a relevant school has engaged in behaviour connected with the school which—

(a)has caused, or is likely to cause—

(i)significant disruption to the education of other pupils, or

(ii)significant detriment to the welfare of the child himself or of other pupils or to the health or safety of any staff, or

(b)forms part of a pattern of behaviour which (if continued) will give rise to a risk of future exclusion from the school on disciplinary grounds.

(1B)For the purposes of subsection (1A) the child's behaviour is connected with the school to the extent that it consists of—

(a)conduct at the school, or

(b)conduct elsewhere in circumstances in which it would be reasonable for the school to regulate his conduct.]

(2)This section also applies where a child of compulsory school age has failed to attend regularly at —

[F5(a)a relevant school at which he is a registered pupil,

(b)any place at which education is provided for him in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) [F6or (1A)] of section 444ZA of the Education Act 1996, and

(c)any place at which he is required to attend in the circumstances mentioned in subsection [F7(1B) or] (2) of that section.]

(3)A [F4local authority] or the governing body of a relevant school may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of the pupil or child.

(4)A parenting contract is a document which contains—

(a)a statement by the parent that he agrees to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the document for such period as may be so specified, and

(b)a statement by the [F4local authority] or governing body that it agrees to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.

(5)The requirements mentioned in subsection (4) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.

(6)The purpose of the requirements mentioned in subsection (4)—

(a)in a case falling within subsection (1) [F8or (1A)], is to improve the behaviour of the pupil,

(b)in a case falling within subsection (2), is to ensure that the child attends regularly at the relevant school at which he is a registered pupil.

(7)A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the [F4local authority] or governing body.

(8)A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.

(9)[F4local authorities] and governing bodies of relevant schools must, in carrying out their functions in relation to parenting contracts, have regard to any guidance which is issued by the appropriate person from time to time for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F2Words in s. 19 heading substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 97(4), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, art. 2(g)

F3S. 19(1A)(1B) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 97(2), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, art. 2(g)

F5S. 19(2)(a)-(c) substituted for words in (2) (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 18 para. 15 (with s. 119); S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F8Words in s. 19(6) substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 97(3), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, art. 2(g)

Commencement Information

I2S. 19 in force at 27.2.2004 for E. by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 4(a)

I3S. 19 in force at 11.5.2006 for W. by S.I. 2006/1278, art. 2

20Parenting orders in cases of exclusion [F9or potential exclusion] from schoolE+W

(1)[F10Subsection (2)] applies where—

(a)a pupil has been excluded on disciplinary grounds from a relevant school for a fixed period or permanently, and

(b)such conditions as may be prescribed in regulations made by the appropriate person are satisfied.

(2)[F11A relevant body] may apply to a magistrates' court for a parenting order in respect of a parent of the pupil.

[F12(2A)A relevant body may also apply to a magistrates' court for a parenting order in respect of a pupil at a relevant school if—

(a)it appears to the body making the application that the pupil has engaged in behaviour which would warrant the exclusion of the pupil from the school on disciplinary grounds for a fixed period or permanently, and

(b)such conditions as may be prescribed in regulations made by the appropriate person are satisfied.

(2B)For the purposes of subsection (2A), there are to be disregarded—

(a)any practice restricting the use of exclusion at a particular school, or at schools of a particular description, and

(b)any grounds that might exist for not excluding the pupil, to the extent that those grounds relate to his education or welfare after exclusion.]

[F13(3)If an application is made under subsection (2) or (2A), the court may make a parenting order in respect of a pupil if it is satisfied—

(a)in the case of an application under subsection (2A), that the pupil has engaged in behaviour of the kind mentioned in that subsection, and

(b)in any case, that the making of the order would be desirable in the interests of improving the behaviour of the pupil.]

(4)A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

(a)to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and

(b)subject to subsection (5), to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer.

(5)A parenting order under this section may, but need not, include a requirement mentioned in subsection (4)(b) in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

(6)A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (4)(b) may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied that the following two conditions are fulfilled.

(7)The first condition is that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in improving the behaviour of the pupil.

(8)The second condition is that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

[F14(9)In this section “a relevant body” means—

(a)a [F4local authority] ,

(b)the governing body of any relevant school in England at which the pupil to whom the application relates is a pupil or from which he has been excluded.]

Textual Amendments

F9Words in s. 20 heading inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(7), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F10Words in s. 20(1) substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(2), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F11Words in s. 20(2) substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(3), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F12S. 20(2A)(2B) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(4), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F13S. 20(3) substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(5), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F14S. 20(9) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 98(6), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

Commencement Information

I4S. 20 in force at 27.2.2004 for E. by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 4(b)

I5S. 20 in force at 11.5.2006 for W. by S.I. 2006/1278, art. 2

21Parenting orders: supplementalE+W

(1)In deciding whether to make a parenting order under section 20, a court must take into account (amongst other things)—

(a)any refusal by the parent to enter into a parenting contract under section 19 in respect of the pupil in a case falling within subsection (1) [F15or (1A)] of that section, or

(b)if the parent has entered into such a parenting contract, any failure by the parent to comply with the requirements specified in the contract.

[F16(1A)In deciding whether to make a parenting order under section 20, a court must also take into account any failure by the parent without reasonable excuse to attend a reintegration interview under section 102 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (reintegration interview in case of fixed period exclusion) when requested to do so in accordance with regulations under that section.]

(2)Before making a parenting order under section 20 in the case of a pupil under the age of 16, a court must obtain and consider information about the pupil’s family circumstances and the likely effect of the order on those circumstances.

(3)Subsections (3) to (7) of section 9 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (supplemental provisions about parenting orders) are to apply in relation to a parenting order under section 20 as they apply in relation to a parenting order under section 8 of that Act.

F17(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)[F4local authorities] ,[F18governing bodies] head teachers and responsible officers must, in carrying out their functions in relation to parenting orders, have regard to any guidance which is issued by the appropriate person from time to time for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F15Words in s. 21(1)(a) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purpose and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in forces) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(2)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F16S. 21(1A) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(2)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F17S. 21(4) repealed (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(2)(c), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c)(h) (with art. 5(2)); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F18Words in s. 21(5) inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(2)(d), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

Commencement Information

I6S. 21 in force at 27.2.2004 for E. by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 4(c)

I7S. 21 in force at 11.5.2006 for W. by S.I. 2006/1278, art. 2

22Parenting orders: appealsE+W

(1)An appeal lies to the Crown Court against the making of a parenting order under section 20.

(2)Subsections (2) and (3) of section 10 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (appeals against parenting orders) are to apply in relation to an appeal under this section as they apply in relation to an appeal under subsection (1)(b) of that section.

Commencement Information

I8S. 22 in force at 27.2.2004 for E. by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 4(d)

I9S. 22 in force at 11.5.2006 for W. by S.I. 2006/1278, art. 2

[F1922AParenting contracts and parenting orders: further provisionsE+W

(1)The appropriate person may by regulations make further provision about the exercise by [F20local authorities] and the governing bodies of relevant schools of their functions relating to—

(a)parenting contracts under section 19, and

(b)parenting orders under section 20.

(2)The provision that may be made under subsection (1) includes—

(a)provision limiting the power of a [F20local authority] to enter into a parenting contract, or apply for a parenting order, in prescribed cases where—

(i)the school by reference to which the contract is entered into or the application is made is not in the area of the authority, or

(ii)the child by reference to whom the contract is entered into or the application is made does not reside in that area;

(b)provision as to which governing body may apply for a parenting order in cases where a pupil has been admitted to a relevant school after being permanently excluded from another;

(c)provision requiring one [F20local authority] or governing body to consult with another before taking any prescribed step;

(d)provision authorising or requiring the provision of information by one [F20local authority] or governing body to another;

(e)provision as to how the costs associated with parenting contracts entered into by [F20local authorities] or governing bodies of relevant schools or the costs associated with the requirements of parenting orders under section 20 (including in each case the costs of providing counselling or guidance programmes) are to be met.

(3)In subsection (2), “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the appropriate person under subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

F19S. 22A inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(3), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

23Penalty notices for parents in cases of truancyE+W

(1)After section 444 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) (failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil) insert—

444APenalty notice in respect of failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil

(1)Where an authorised officer has reason to believe—

(a)that a person has committed an offence under section 444(1), and

(b)that the school to which the offence relates is a relevant school in England,

he may give the person a penalty notice in respect of the offence.

(2)A penalty notice is a notice offering a person the opportunity of discharging any liability to conviction for the offence under section 444(1) to which the notice relates by payment of a penalty in accordance with the notice.

(3)Where a person is given a penalty notice, proceedings for the offence to which the notice relates (or an offence under section 444(1A) arising out of the same circumstances) may not be instituted before the end of such period as may be prescribed.

(4)Where a person is given a penalty notice, he cannot be convicted of the offence to which the notice relates (or an offence under section 444(1A) arising out of the same circumstances) if he pays a penalty in accordance with the notice.

(5)Penalties under this section shall be payable to local education authorities in England.

(6)Sums received by a local education authority under this section may be used by the authority for the purposes of any of its functions which may be specified in regulations.

444BPenalty notices: supplemental

(1)Regulations may make—

(a)provision as to the form and content of penalty notices,

(b)provision as to the monetary amount of any penalty and the time by which it is to be paid,

(c)provision for determining the local education authority to which a penalty is payable,

(d)provision as to the methods by which penalties may be paid,

(e)provision as to the records which are to be kept in relation to penalty notices,

(f)provision as to the persons who may be authorised by a local education authority or a head teacher to give penalty notices,

(g)provision limiting the circumstances in which authorised officers of a prescribed description may give penalty notices,

(h)provision for or in connection with the withdrawal, in prescribed circumstances, of a penalty notice, including—

(i)repayment of any amount paid by way of penalty under a penalty notice which is withdrawn, and

(ii)prohibition of the institution or continuation of proceedings for the offence to which the withdrawn notice relates (and any offence under section 444(1A) arising out of the same circumstances),

(i)provision for a certificate—

(i)purporting to be signed by or on behalf of a prescribed person, and

(ii)stating that payment of any amount paid by way of penalty was or, as the case may be, was not received on or before a date specified in the certificate,

to be received in evidence of the matters so stated,

(j)provision as to the action to be taken if a penalty is not paid in accordance with a penalty notice,

(k)provision for or in connection with the preparation of codes of conduct in relation to the giving of penalty notices,

(l)such other provision in relation to penalties or penalty notices as the Secretary of State thinks necessary or expedient.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) or section 569(4), regulations under subsection (1)(b) may make provision for penalties of different amounts to be payable in different cases or circumstances (including provision for the penalty payable under a penalty notice to differ according to the time by which it is paid).

(3)Local education authorities, head teachers and authorised officers shall, in carrying out their functions in relation to penalty notices, have regard to any guidance which is published by the Secretary of State from time to time in relation to penalty notices.

(4)In this section and section 444A—

(2)In section 572 of that Act (service of notices and other documents) for “served on any person may be served” substitute “ served on, or given to, any person may be served or given ”.

F21(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F21(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 5 to that Act (powers of accredited persons to issue fixed penalty notices) before paragraph (b) insert—

(ab)the power of a constable to give a penalty notice under section 444A of the Education Act 1996 (penalty notice in respect of failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil);.

(7)After paragraph 1(3) of that Schedule insert—

(4)In its application to an offence which is an offence by reference to which a notice may be given to a person in exercise of the power mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(ab), sub-paragraph (1) shall have effect as if for the words from “who he has reason to believe” to the end there were substituted “in the relevant police area who he has reason to believe has committed or is committing a relevant fixed penalty offence”.

(8)In paragraph 2 of that Schedule (power to require giving of name and address) after sub-paragraph (3) insert—

(4)In its application to an offence which is an offence by reference to which a notice may be given to a person in exercise of the power mentioned in paragraph 1(2)(ab), sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph shall have effect as if for the words “has committed a relevant offence in the relevant police area” there were substituted “in the relevant police area has committed a relevant offence”.

(9)The National Assembly for Wales may by order amend sections 444A and 444B of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) by removing the words “in England” in each place where they occur.

(10)Where an order is made under subsection (9), any functions of the Secretary of State under sections 444A and 444B of the Education Act 1996 which by virtue of the order become exercisable in relation to Wales are to be treated as if they had been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales by an Order in Council under section 22 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38).

Textual Amendments

F21S. 23(3)(4) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 15(a); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(k) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 23(9)(10) modified (1.9.2005) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 18 para. 4 (with s. 119); S.I. 2005/2034, art. 5

Commencement Information

I10S. 23 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(ii)

24InterpretationE+W

In this section and [F23sections 19 to 22A]

Textual Amendments

F23Words in s. 24 substituted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(4)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F24Words in s. 24 inserted (1.9.2007 for E., 31.10.2010 for W. for specified purposes and 5.1.2011 so far as not already in force) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 99(4)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 3(c); S.I. 2010/2543, arts. 2(h), 3(a)

F27Words in s. 24 substituted (8.11.2006) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), s. 188(1), Sch. 16 para. 4

F28Words in s. 24 inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 50 (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

Commencement Information

I11S. 24 in force at 27.2.2004 for E. by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 4(e)

I12S. 24 in force at 11.5.2006 for W. by S.I. 2006/1278, art. 2

Criminal conduct and anti-social behaviourE+W

25Parenting contracts in respect of criminal conduct and anti-social behaviour [F30: youth offending teams]E+W

(1)This section applies where a child or young person has been referred to a youth offending team.

(2)The youth offending team may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of the child or young person if a member of that team has reason to believe that the child or young person has engaged, or is likely to engage, in criminal conduct or anti-social behaviour.

(3)A parenting contract is a document which contains—

(a)a statement by the parent that he agrees to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the document for such period as may be so specified, and

(b)a statement by the youth offending team that it agrees to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.

(4)The requirements mentioned in subsection (3)(a) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.

(5)The purpose of the requirements mentioned in subsection (3)(a) is to prevent the child or young person from engaging in criminal conduct or anti-social behaviour or further criminal conduct or further anti-social behaviour.

(6)A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the youth offending team.

(7)A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.

(8)Youth offending teams must, in carrying out their functions in relation to parenting contracts, have regard to any guidance which is issued by the Secretary of State from time to time for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F30Words in s. 25 heading inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 53; S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

Commencement Information

I13S. 25 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(iii)

[F3125AParenting contracts in respect of anti-social behaviour: local authoritiesE+W

(1)A local authority may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of a child or young person if—

(a)the local authority has reason to believe that the child or young person has engaged, or is likely to engage, in anti-social behaviour, and

(b)the child or young person resides, or appears to reside, in the local authority's area.

(2)A parenting contract is a document which contains—

(a)a statement by the parent that he agrees to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the document for such period as may be so specified, and

(b)a statement by the local authority that it agrees to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.

(3)The requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.

(4)The purpose of the requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) is to prevent the child or young person from engaging in anti-social behaviour or further anti-social behaviour.

(5)A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the local authority.

(6)A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.

(7)In carrying out their functions in relation to parenting contracts—

(a)local authorities in England shall have regard to any guidance which is issued by the Secretary of State from time to time for that purpose;

(b)local authorities in Wales shall have regard to any guidance which is issued by the National Assembly for Wales from time to time for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F31Ss. 25A, 25B inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 23(1), 53(1); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(a)

25BParenting contracts in respect of anti-social behaviour: [F32relevant housing providers] E+W

(1)A [F33relevant housing provider] may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of a child or young person if—

(a)the [F33relevant housing provider] has reason to believe that the child or young person—

(i)has engaged in anti-social behaviour, or

(ii)is likely to engage in such behaviour,

and

(b)that behaviour directly or indirectly relates to or affects the housing management functions of the [F33relevant housing provider] (or, where paragraph (a)(ii) applies, would do so if the behaviour were engaged in).

[F34(1A)“Relevant housing provider” means—

(a)a non-profit registered provider of social housing, or

(b)a registered social landlord.]

(2)A parenting contract is a document which contains—

(a)a statement by the parent that he agrees to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the document for such period as may be so specified, and

(b)a statement by the [F35relevant housing provider] that it agrees to make arrangements for the provision of support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.

(3)The requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.

(4)The purpose of the requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) is to prevent the child or young person from engaging in anti-social behaviour or further anti-social behaviour.

(5)A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the [F36relevant housing provider] .

(6)A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.

(7)In carrying out their functions in relation to parenting contracts—

[F37(a)non-profit registered providers of social housing shall have regard to any guidance which is issued by the Secretary of State from time to time for that purpose;]

(b)registered social landlords on the register maintained by the National Assembly for Wales shall have regard to any guidance which is issued by the Assembly from time to time for that purpose.]

26Parenting orders in respect of criminal conduct and anti-social behaviour [F38: youth offending teams]E+W

(1)This section applies where a child or young person has been referred to a youth offending team.

(2)A member of the youth offending team may apply to a magistrates' court for a parenting order in respect of a parent of the child or young person.

(3)If such an application is made, the court may make a parenting order in respect of a parent of the child or young person if it is satisfied—

(a)that the child or young person has engaged in criminal conduct or anti-social behaviour, and

(b)that making the order would be desirable in the interests of preventing the child or young person from engaging in further criminal conduct or further anti-social behaviour.

(4)A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

(a)to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and

(b)subject to subsection (5), to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer.

(5)A parenting order under this section may, but need not, include a requirement mentioned in subsection (4)(b) in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

(6)A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (4)(b) may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied that the following two conditions are fulfilled.

(7)The first condition is that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in preventing the child or young person from engaging in further criminal conduct or further anti-social behaviour.

(8)The second condition is that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

[F39(9)A person is eligible to be the responsible officer in relation to a parenting order under this section only if he is a member of a youth offending team.]

Textual Amendments

F38Words in s. 26 heading inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 54(2); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

Commencement Information

I14S. 26 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(iii)

[F4026AParenting orders in respect of anti-social behaviour: local authoritiesE+W

(1)A local authority may apply for a parenting order in respect of a parent of a child or young person if—

(a)the local authority has reason to believe that the child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour, and

(b)the child or young person resides, or appears to reside, in the local authority's area.

An application for such an order may be made to a magistrates' court or, where section 26C so allows, to [F41the county court] .

(2)If such an application is made, the court may make a parenting order in respect of a parent of the child or young person if it is satisfied—

(a)that the child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour, and

(b)that making the order would be desirable in the interests of preventing the child or young person from engaging in further anti-social behaviour.

(3)A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

(a)to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and

(b)subject to subsection (4), to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer.

(4)A parenting order under this section may, but need not, include a requirement mentioned in subsection (3)(b) in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

(5)A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (3)(b) may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied that the following two conditions are fulfilled.

(6)The first condition is that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in preventing the child or young person from engaging in further anti-social behaviour.

(7)The second condition is that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

(8)A person is eligible to be the responsible officer in relation to a parenting order under this section only if he is—

(a)an officer of the local authority which applied for the order, or

(b)a person nominated by that authority or by a person or body requested by the authority to make a nomination.

A person may not be nominated under paragraph (b) without his consent.

Textual Amendments

F40Ss. 26A-26C inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 24, 53(1); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(a)

F41Words in ss. 26A-28 substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 52; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

26BParenting orders in respect of anti-social behaviour: [F42relevant housing providers] E+W

(1)A [F43relevant housing provider] may apply for a parenting order in respect of a parent of a child or young person if—

(a)the [F43relevant housing provider] has reason to believe that the child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour, and

(b)the behaviour in question directly or indirectly relates to or affects the housing management functions of the [F43relevant housing provider] .

An application for such an order may be made to a magistrates' court or, where section 26C so allows, to [F41the county court] .

(2)If such an application is made, the court may make a parenting order in respect of a parent of the child or young person if it is satisfied—

(a)that the child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour, and

(b)that making the order would be desirable in the interests of preventing the child or young person from engaging in further anti-social behaviour.

(3)A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

(a)to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and

(b)subject to subsection (4), to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer.

(4)A parenting order under this section may, but need not, include a requirement mentioned in subsection (3)(b) in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

(5)A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (3)(b) may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied that the following two conditions are fulfilled.

(6)The first condition is that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in preventing the child or young person from engaging in further anti-social behaviour.

(7)The second condition is that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

(8)A [F43relevant housing provider] must not make an application under this section without first consulting the local authority [F44(or, if subsection (8A) applies, each local authority)] in whose area the child or young person in question resides or appears to reside.

[F45(8A)This subsection applies if the place where the child or young person resides or appears to reside is within the area of a county council and within the area of a district council.]

(9)A person is eligible to be the responsible officer in relation to a parenting order under this section only if he is—

(a)an officer of the [F43relevant housing provider] which applied for the order, or

(b)a person nominated by that [F43relevant housing provider] .

A person may not be nominated under paragraph (b) without his consent.

(10)In deciding whom to nominate under subsection (9)(b) a [F43relevant housing provider] must take into account the views of—

(a)the local authority [F46(or authorities)] mentioned in subsection (8), and

(b)such other persons or bodies as the [F43relevant housing provider] thinks appropriate.

26CApplications under section 26A or 26B in county court proceedingsE+W

(1)Where a local authority or [F47relevant housing provider] (a “relevant authority”)—

(a)is a party to proceedings in [F41the county court] , and

(b)considers that a party to those proceedings is a person in relation to whom it would be reasonable for it to make an application for a parenting order under section 26A or 26B (a “parenting order application”),

it may make such an application to that court in relation to that person.

(2)Where—

(a)a relevant authority considers that a party to proceedings in [F41the county court] is a person in relation to whom it would be reasonable for it to make a parenting order application, but

(b)the relevant authority is not a party to those proceedings,

it may apply to be joined to those proceedings to enable it to make a parenting order application.

(3)Where—

(a)there are proceedings in [F41the county court] to which a relevant authority is a party, and

(b)the relevant authority considers that a child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour that is material in relation to the proceedings,

the relevant authority may apply for a person who is a parent of the child or young person to be joined to the proceedings to enable it to make a parenting order application in relation to him.

(4)A person must not be joined to proceedings in pursuance of subsection (3) unless the anti-social behaviour in question is material in relation to those proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

F40Ss. 26A-26C inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 24, 53(1); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(a)

F41Words in ss. 26A-28 substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 52; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

27Parenting orders: supplementalE+W

(1)In deciding whether to make a parenting order under [F48section 26, 26A or 26B], a court must take into account (amongst other things)—

(a)any refusal by the parent to enter into a parenting contract under [F49section 25, 25A or 25B] in respect of the child or young person, or

(b)if the parent has entered into such a parenting contract, any failure by the parent to comply with the requirements specified in the contract.

(2)Before making a parenting order under [F48section 26, 26A or 26B] in the case of a child or a young person under the age of 16, a court must obtain and consider information about the child or young person’s family circumstances and the likely effect of the order on those circumstances.

(3)Subsections (3) to (7) of section 9 of the 1998 Act (supplemental provisions about parenting orders) are to apply [F50in relation to—

(a)a parenting order under section 26,

(b)a parenting order under section 26A, or

(c)a parenting order under section 26B,

as they apply ] in relation to a parenting order under section 8 of that Act.

[F51(3A)Proceedings for an offence under section 9(7) of the 1998 Act (parenting orders: breach of requirement etc.) as applied by subsection (3)(b) above may be brought by any of the following local authorities—

(a)the local authority that applied for the order, if the child or young person, or the person alleged to be in breach, resides or appears to reside in that authority's area;

(b)the local authority of the child or young person, if that child or young person does not reside or appear to reside in the area of the local authority that applied for the order;

(c)the local authority of the person alleged to be in breach, if that person does not reside or appear to reside in the area of the local authority that applied for the order.

(3B)For the purposes of subsection (3A)(b) and (c)—

(a)an individual's local authority is the local authority in whose area the individual resides or appears to reside; but

(b)if the place where an individual resides or appears to reside is within the area of a county council and within the area of a district council, a reference to that individual's local authority is to be read as a reference to either of those authorities.]

[F52(4)In carrying out their functions in relation to parenting orders—

(a)members of youth offending teams,

(b)local authorities in England,

(c)[F53private registered providers of social housing,] and

(d)responsible officers in relation to parenting orders made on the application of local authorities in England or of [F54private registered providers of social housing] ,

must have regard to any guidance which is issued by the Secretary of State from time to time for that purpose.

(4A)In carrying out their functions in relation to parenting orders—

(a)local authorities in Wales,

(b)[F55registered social landlords,] and

(c)responsible officers in relation to parenting orders made on the application of local authorities in Wales or of [F56registered social landlords] ,

must have regard to any guidance which is issued by the National Assembly for Wales from time to time for that purpose.]

Textual Amendments

F48Words in s. 27(1)(2) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 55(2); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

F49Words in s. 27(1)(a) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 55(3); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

F50Words in s. 27(3) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 55(4); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

F51S. 27(3A)(3B) substituted for s. 27(3A) (1.4.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 125(4), 153(7); S.I. 2009/860, art. 2(1)(b)

F52S. 27(4)(4A) substituted for s. 27(4) (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 55(6); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

Commencement Information

I15S. 27 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(iii)

28Parenting orders: appealsE+W

(1)An appeal lies to the Crown Court against the making of a parenting order [F57by a magistrates' court under section 26, 26A or 26B].

[F58(1A)An appeal lies to the High Court against the making of a parenting order by [F41the county court] under section 26A or 26B.]

(2)Subsections (2) and (3) of section 10 of the 1998 Act (appeals against parenting orders) are to apply in relation to an appeal under this section as they apply in relation to an appeal under [F59subsection (1)] of that section.

Textual Amendments

F41Words in ss. 26A-28 substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 52; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F57Words in s. 28(1) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 56(2); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

F59Words in s. 28(2) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 56(4); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

Commencement Information

I16S. 28 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(iii)

[F6028AContracting out of local authority functionsE+W

(1)An order made by—

(a)the Secretary of State as regards local authorities in England, or

(b)the National Assembly for Wales as regards local authorities in Wales,

may provide that a local authority may make arrangements with a person who is specified in the order, or is of a description so specified, for the exercise of any function it has under or by virtue of section 25A or 26A.

(2)The order may provide—

(a)that the power of the local authority to make the arrangements is subject to such conditions as are specified in the order;

(b)that the arrangements must be subject to such conditions as are so specified;

(c)that the arrangements may be made subject to such other conditions as the local authority thinks appropriate.

(3)The order may provide that the arrangements may authorise the exercise of the function—

(a)either wholly or to such extent as may be specified in the order or arrangements;

(b)either generally or in such cases or areas as may be so specified.

(4)An order under this section may provide that the person with whom arrangements are made in pursuance of the order is to be treated as if he were a public body for the purposes of section 1 of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970.

(5)The Secretary of State or (as the case may be) the National Assembly for Wales must not make an order under this section without first consulting—

(a)such representatives of local government as appear to be appropriate;

(b)such other persons as appear to be appropriate.

(6)Any arrangements made by a local authority in pursuance of an order under this section do not prevent the local authority from exercising the function to which the arrangements relate.

(7)The following provisions of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 apply for the purposes of arrangements made in pursuance of an order under this section as they apply for the purposes of an authorisation to exercise functions by virtue of an order under section 70(2) of that Act—

(a)section 72 (effect of contracting out);

(b)section 73 (termination of contracting out);

(c)section 75 and Schedule 15 (provision relating to disclosure of information);

(d)paragraph 3 of Schedule 16 (authorised persons to be treated as officers of local authority).

(8)For the purposes of subsection (7), any reference in the provisions specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) to a person authorised to exercise a function is to be construed as a reference to a person with whom an arrangement is made for the exercise of the function in pursuance of an order under this section.

(9)Local authorities in England and any person with whom they make arrangements in pursuance of an order under this section must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(10)Local authorities in Wales and any person with whom they make arrangements in pursuance of an order under this section must have regard to any guidance issued by the National Assembly for Wales for the purposes of this section.]

Textual Amendments

29Interpretation and consequential amendmentE+W

(1)In this section and sections 25 to 28—

(2)In section 38(4) of the 1998 Act (meaning of “youth justice services”) after paragraph (e) insert—

(ee)the performance by youth offending teams and members of youth offending teams of functions under sections 25 to 27 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003;.

Textual Amendments

F61Words in s. 29(1) inserted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 23(2), 53(1); S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(a)

F63In s. 29(1) in the definition of "local authority" para. (aa) substituted (1.4.2009) for paras. (b)(c) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 125(2), 153(7); S.I. 2009/860, art. 2(1)(b)

F65Words in s. 29(1) substituted (1.8.2007 for E.) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), s. 53(1), Sch. 14 para. 57; S.I. 2007/1614, art. 3(d)

Commencement Information

I17S. 29 in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2003/3300, art. 3(a)(iii)