Youth offending – help for parents

What help is available for parents or carers?

We offer one to one support and group support to the parents and carers of young people who we are working with.

Most of the help we offer to parents is voluntary through a Parenting Contract but sometimes we work with parents who are subject to a Parenting Order following their young person appearing in court.

One to one support

Usually this will take place within the family home at a time that suits the whole family. Our Parenting Team and a Parenting Practitioner will work with parents and carers to make a Parenting Contract which sets out what work needs to be done. Sessions usually happen once a week but this may reduce to once every two weeks.

Group work

The ‘Stop' Programme is for parents of young people and runs for 11 weeks. The Programme helps parents to learn more effective ways of managing the challenging behaviour of their teenagers.

What are Parenting Orders?

Parenting Orders were introduced under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. If you are a parent or carer of a child who is offending, you will receive support, guidance and training to help you prevent your child from re-offending.

For more information, help and advice visit our page on Parenting Orders.

Key websites

• Your child, crime and the legal system – Direct Gov
  Implications for parents if their child gets into trouble, and your rights if they are arrested and charged.
• Crime and justice – Direct Gov
  Advice for young people about how the justice system works
• The Children's legal centre
  A national charity which can help with advice on education law, child law and family law, and which can also provide representation for low income families.

Contacts

For help or more information please contact the Youth Offending Team