The information below explains what a parenting order might involve for you and your family.
What are parenting orders?
Parenting orders were introduced by the Crime & Disorder Act 1998. Under this Order the parent or carer goes to counselling and guidance sessions to help them look after their children.
Who makes parenting orders?
Orders can be made by any court that is dealing with young people. It could be because of criminal offences, truancy (not going to school) or anti-social behaviour.
Who does it apply to?
Courts can make parenting orders on any adult guardian who is involved in caring for the young person, even if they are not actually a parent.
What does it involve?
Parenting programmes are arranged locally, between the Youth Justice Service and other organisations. Most programmes are group-based. They usually involve about ten 90-minute sessions during a three-month order, plus some individual meetings to plan and review progress.
Individual programmes?
In special cases, for example in isolated rural areas or where you might not be able to manage in a group setting, the Youth Justice Service may decide to provide part or all of your programme individually. #
What help would I get?
Parenting Programmes are arranged to meet the needs and problems of each group. They always include discussions and advice about managing teenagers, but there will be extra work to help with other difficulties you may be having.
What is it like?
Parenting programmes are designed to be friendly, helpful and supportive. You will not be blamed or judged for your child’s behaviour, and you will not be made to feel guilty or stupid. Everyone in your group will be having similar problems to you, and the programmes are to help you to share ideas and support with each other. Parenting programmes help you to feel more confident, skilled and supported. They allow you to share your feelings and worries, and to work together on better ways to manage your children.
Do I have to attend?
Yes, you do, it’s a court order and you will be punished if you don’t make a proper effort to comply with it.
Extra conditions?
When courts make a parenting order, they can add on specific requirements. For example, you might be ordered to make sure that your child goes to school every day or comes in at a reasonable time every night. These conditions are also legally binding on you. If you don’t keep them, the court might punish you if you haven’t made a proper effort.
More information?
If you might be placed under a parenting order, we will try to discuss this with you before the court hearing. Your feelings and opinions will be treated respectfully. If you want to avoid an order being made, we can arrange for you to join a parenting programme voluntarily. This service is available to any parent or carer free of charge, even if your children haven’t been in trouble. Parents and carers attend parenting groups for lots of different reasons. They are all made welcome, and offered genuine support, friendship and advice.
The North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service is:
- made up of expert staff from children’s social care, police, probation, education and health
- working in active partnership with local agencies and communities to prevent offending by young people
- committed to rigorous national standards for the supervision and management of young offenders in the community
- sensitive to the needs and rights of victims and working to the code of practice for victims of crime
- committed to treating all service users with respect, fairness, honesty and dignity
- committed to fair treatment regardless of race, religion, culture, disability or sexual orientation
If you would like more information, or if you wish to complain about any service you have received, please write to Andy Dukes, youth justice team manager, at any of the offices below.
Where to find us
Harrogate Area Offices
Delta House
12b North Park Road
Harrogate
HG1 5PG
Oak Beck House
Woodfield Road
Harrogate
HG1 4HZ
Scarborough Area Office
Castle House 10-14
Elders Street
Scarborough
YO11 1DZ
Selby Area Office Community House (1st Floor)
Portholme Crescent
Selby
YO8 4QQ
Hambleton & Richmond Area Office
County Hall
Racecourse Lane
Romanby
Northallerton
DL7 8AD