A local authority may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of a child or young person if—
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
the child or young person resides, or appears to reside, in the local authority's area.
A parenting contract is a document which contains—
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
a statement by the local authority that it agrees to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.
The requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.
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.
A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the local authority.
A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.
In carrying out their functions in relation to parenting contracts—
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;
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.