Section 26A: Parenting orders in respect of anti-social behaviour: local authorities

Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 · 2003 c. 38View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 3: Parental responsibilities

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—

that the child or young person has engaged in anti-social behaviour, and
that making the order would be desirable in the interests of preventing the child or young person from engaging in further anti-social behaviour.

A parenting order is an order which requires the parent—

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.