Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
This guidance booklet has been produced by involved, agencies may prefer to use a
the Home Office’s Anti-Social Behaviour and parenting intervention such as a parenting
Alcohol Unit, in response to demand from order or parenting contract instead. ABCs are
practitioners for an accessible guide to current useful for stopping low levels of anti-social
practice in this field. It has been drawn up behaviour and nipping it in the bud. Their
with the help and advice of a range of partner flexibility means they can also be used
agencies, including the police and local effectively in other more serious or problematic
authorities. It reflects what is actually being situations.
done with ABCs/ABAs, by agencies that have
found this intervention an effective part of This booklet gives advice on getting the best
the toolkit for tackling anti-social behaviour. It out of ABCs. It replaces the previous
is important to remember that this guidance issued in 2003 which was combined
intervention is not aimed solely at under 18s: with guidance on anti-social behaviour orders.
ABCS/ABAs are useful against adult It must not be seen as formalising the contract
perpetrators too; arrangements. If areas have found their own
effective system for using them there is no
many victims of ASB are under 18s, and
need to consider making changes. The
they need protection too;
guidance brings together good practice from
where this tool is used with under 18s, practitioners and any examples set out here
appropriate support must be given, to are merely suggestions that others may wish to
ensure engagement with the process, and try, particularly if this is new territory for
thus achieve long term behavioural them. We are not looking to replace existing
change. local protocols.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
The contract is agreed and signed at a meeting The main aim is to lead perpetrators towards
with the individual and the lead agencies. recognition both of the impact of their
Where the person whose behaviour is at issue behaviour, and of the need to take
is a child or young person, parents or responsibility for their actions. For this reason
guardians should be strongly encouraged to it is important that the individual should be
attend as it is important to involve them in the involved in drawing up the contract.
process, although the contract could still be
made without them. For similar reasons, it is The flexible nature of ABCs means that they
important within the context of effective can be used incrementally. This means that
multi-agency working to inform social services very minor misdemeanours can be nipped in
of any intervention involving someone under the bud quickly with nothing more than a
18. In the case of under 10s as parenting simple contract with just one agency. Where
contract or parenting order may be preferable. behaviour is more problematic - either
Since 29th June 2007, local authorities (LAs) because it is persistent or because it is serious
and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) have – then support to address the underlying
had the power to enter into parenting causes of the behaviour should be offered in
contracts and apply for parenting order where parallel to the contract. This may include
anti-social behaviour is the trigger under diversionary activities (such as attendance at a
amendments to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act youth project), counselling or support for the
2003 in the Police and Justice Act 2006. family. It is vital therefore to establish which
Further information about this is available on agencies are already involved in the case so as
www.respect.gov.uk. to maximise the opportunities for co-
operation and to minimise the risk of
The contract specifies a list of anti-social acts duplication or inconsistency.
in which the person can be shown to have
been involved, and which they agree not to Legal action (such as an application for an
continue. The contract can also include anti-social behaviour order or a possession
positives, ie. activities that will help prevent order, if the perpetrator is in social housing)
recurrence, such as attending school. should be stated on the contract where this is
the potential consequence of breaking the
The defining principle of the contracts is that agreement. The prospect of a more formal,
they are voluntary, and involve: legal intervention can provide an added
an acknowledgement by the perpetrator incentive to adhere to the contract. Where the
that his/her behaviour is having a ASB cited on the ABC is an actual criminal
negative impact on the community; offence (eg. criminal damage), then criminal
proceedings also remain a possibility for
an agreement to stop that behaviour.
breach.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Types of behaviour ABCs have been used Youth Offending Team working closely with
for the local police. Whichever agency takes the
lead it is important to explore fully the cause
ABCs have been used to address a wide range
of the anti-social behaviour and consider
of anti-social behaviour2 including:
alternative diversionary tactics.
harassment of residents or passers by
verbal abuse Youth Inclusion Support Panels (YISPS) are
multi-agency and provide a package of
criminal damage
support to help young people committing
vandalism anti-social behaviour and becoming at risk
noise nuisance from their own behaviour. They seek to
prevent offending and anti-social behaviour by
writing graffiti offering support services and other
threatening behaviour complementary interventions for high risk
children and their families. Details of
racial abuse Camden’s YISP are contained in an annex to
smoking or drinking alcohol while under this guidance as a possible model that others
age may wish to follow.
substance misuse
Other agencies involved with ABCs
joy riding – either as signatories on the contract or in
begging providing support to the individual and family
– include registered social landlords, social
prostitution services, schools, environmental health and
kerb-crawling. health services. This is not an exhaustive list –
but it illustrates the need for planning and co-
It is not true that the behaviour has to be ordination to underpin success.
criminal, and nor is it true that it may not be –
what is important is that local agencies believe Providing training for staff in partner agencies
that the ABC approach in each case is a more involved in ABCs will enable schemes to work
effective way of dealing with problem more effectively. In particular, training should
behaviour. This approach can involve opting cover the practical implications of contracts
not to pursue a more formal legal response, (such as the paperwork required) and how to
but the long term benefits mean that the ABC deal with broken agreements. The training
approach is still putting the community’s should also include engaging and
interests first. communication methods/tools needed for
working with the young people and their
Multi-agency working parents. In some cases it may be appropriate
The flexible nature of ABCs allows for to apply for a parenting contract as well as the
various agencies to take the lead according to ABC. Practitioners should also be aware that
the circumstances of each case, local practice, Local Authorities and Registered Social
and which agencies can have greatest impact Landlords now have new powers available to
on reducing unacceptable behaviour. In them to apply for parenting orders.
Islington, for example, the Anti-Social
Behaviour Team oversees the running of the
ABC scheme by representatives from the local
authority housing department and the local
police. In other areas the lead agency is the
2 The typology of ASB is dealt with in more detail in other publications – for example, in the NAO report mentioned
already, and in the Home Office’s ASBO guide (http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/asbos/asbos9.htm)
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
opportunity to provide support to address If the young person is under 10 and refuses to
underlying causes such as family problems. engage on a voluntary basis the local authority
Further action may then be taken by the lead can apply to the family proceedings court for
agencies after the meeting to ensure that other a child safety order.
agencies become involved as necessary.
Making the most effective use of ABCs Taking action: Newham’s ABC+
approach for young people
Since every perpetrator of anti-social
behaviour is different and the circumstances in If the young person’s ASB continues to
which it is committed are variable, the flexible be a problem, then agencies could
nature of the ABC means that it can be consider using the ABC+ approach
readily adapted to suit individual cases. Clearly adopted by Newham. This is a six month
some perpetrators are more likely to engage agreement between the perpetrator, their
with authority more promptly than others, and parent/carer and the relevant agency.
the options below provide advice on choosing Where it differs from a standard ABC is
the best option in the circumstances. It is of that it provides a package of support
course possible that the perpetrator will not throughout the process and educates
engage at the first attempt, and thus other young people about ASB and the effect it
options from this list may be considered. If can have on the community. The package
there is a persistent failure to engage tougher is based on an assessment of the young
sanctions, such as an anti-social behaviour person’s behaviour and needs by an ASB
order, will need to be considered. The youth practitioner at the outset. If you wish to
ASB panel is a good tool to use in considering know more about the scheme please
what remedial action to take if the agreement contact:
is not adhered to.
Laura Timms
Using ABCs incrementally Newham Youth offending Team
192 Cumberland Road
The voluntary nature of ABCs generally
Plaistow E13 8LT
means that they are normally used for low-
Tel: 0208 430 2376
level anti-social behaviour or very minor
laura.timms@newham.gov.uk
offending. They are therefore often, but not
always, used as the first structured (albeit not
or
formally legal) intervention. Where a
perpetrator refuses to engage, agencies may
Sangeeta Bhuhi
use the ABC process by way of a warning that
Crime and Anti-Social behaviour Service
serious sanctions will follow if they fail to
Central Depot
comply. In Camden they have successfully
Folkestone Road
used ABCs against street scene problems such
East Ham E6 6BX
as begging, prostitution and drug-related anti-
Tel: 0208 430 2342
social behaviour (although ASBOs were used
Sangeeta.bhuhi@newham.gov.uk
for the most persistent perpetrators) by having
a system of yellow and red warning ABCs.
They found that many of the problems were
resolved at the ABC level and they have
recently started to experience lower levels of
ASBO use as a consequence.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Procedure
A letter is sent to all residents on the estate outlining the aims and objectives of the ABC
scheme. The letter discusses the problems caused by anti-social individuals on the estate,
and includes a general description of the unacceptable behaviour occurring. It invites
residents to record the details of all problem behaviour experienced or witnessed and to
complete incident record books that can be used for evidential purposes. The local
authority housing department, police and other agencies are also encouraged to monitor
activity and gather evidence to identify the people involved.
Young people
In the case of a young perpetrator, a second letter is sent specifically to the parents or
legal guardian informing them of their child’s unacceptable behaviour. This second letter
invites both the young person and their legal guardian to attend an interview with police
and housing officers at their local housing office to discuss the behaviour of the young
person. The letter informs the family that on completion of this interview the child will be
invited to sign an acceptable behaviour contract and adhere to its terms and conditions
for a period of 6 months.
It is worth thinking about where the meeting should take place. While the use of police
premises may reinforce the importance attached to an ABC it is important that care is
taken to ensure that the interview is not misinterpreted as being part of a criminal
investigation. Parents or guardians, housing or local police officers and any other
interested party such as a social worker or family friend may be present if it is considered
appropriate.
If the individual who is to become subject to an ABC does not attend without either
notification or good reason, further attempts, by letter or a visit, should be made to
contact them. If this fails their non-appearance can be documented and used at any
future proceedings if the inappropriate behaviour is repeated. Written warning of this
should be sent to the person concerned. The meeting where the contract is signed does
not constitute legal proceedings.
Key points to consider when arranging and conducting the ABC meeting
Publicise the scheme locally prior to holding the meeting so that those concerned are
aware of it and its aims
Make the interview less formal to avoid intimidating the family
Choose a spacious room and only invite key stakeholders
Involve other agencies prior to this meeting, for example youth services and schools
Hold a pre-meeting with key stakeholders to share relevant information. This will help
to keep attendance at the actual interview to a minimum
Allow adequate preparation time.
See also suggested Do’s and Don’ts of the ABC meeting below.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
an interview to discuss and reiterate the ABCs are not a substitute for anti-social
contract terms. This will also help to behaviour orders (ASBOs) and should not be
identify why it was broken and enable seen as a necessary precursor to an application
agencies to provide additional support for an order. Evidence collected for an ABC
that may be required to prevent further and subsequently for its non-compliance may
examples of non compliance. be cited in court for an application in support
The purpose of this is to bring home to the of a possession order or an anti-social
perpetrator how his/her subsequent behaviour behaviour order. However, even where an
has gone against what he/she signed up to in agency is applying for an anti-social behaviour
the original ABC. ABCs are about enforcing order it is still worth trying to make an ABC
as well as setting boundaries. Of course it is because this can be used as evidence of
open to either side to withdraw from the positive engagement or non-engagement when
agreement at any time (and agencies should applying for the ASBO.
always put the victims’ interests first and opt
for more formal action if the continued At the end of the contract
misbehaviour is serious), but a structured
If the subject of the contract/agreement has
approach to dealing with continued incidents
successfully complied with it over its entire
has the advantage of keeping the perpetrator
length, then it would be appropriate for the
engaged. It is important therefore to be seen
other signatories to send him/her a letter of
to allow him/her to put his/her side of the
congratulation. This would help reinforce the
story. In cases where the witness evidence is
message that the contract/agreement was
disputed or where the perpetrator is adamant
preventive, not punitive, in nature.
that he/she has not acted in a prohibited
manner, it is worth referring the case to a
multi-agency ASB panel. Agencies nonetheless Other considerations
should always be robust in regarding Agencies will be familiar with their equality
persistent and baseless appeals as evidence of duties and should look to their own in-house
bad faith that should lead to a withdrawal of resources for further guidance. As a reminder,
the agreement. and as a starting point for those unfamiliar
with these requirements, the basics are set out
If the behaviour is persistent, then it is below.
important to follow it up with formal legal
proceedings, eg. for an anti-social behaviour Race and Diversity
order, or a possession order. This will ensure
that victims and the wider community can Direct or indirect discrimination on grounds
continue to have confidence in local agencies’ of race, colour, nationality (including
ability to tackle these problems, which in turn citizenship), or ethnic or national origin is
impacts on confidence and reassurance. unlawful under the Race Relations Act. Local
agencies have a duty to consider the
Agencies such as the youth offending team (in promotion of racial equality in carrying out
the case of a young person) should be their work. Practitioners will be aware of the
involved to identify appropriate measures to need to guard against racial stereotyping and
address the continued unacceptable behaviour. assumptions based on race or irrelevant
However, where the community is facing on- references to race, and make due allowance
going anti-social behaviour, legal action should for different cultural norms or customs.
be considered. Agencies should also plan how they can
support the delivery of support programmes
to black and minority ethnic families and
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
THIS CONTRACT is made on [date] BETWEEN [name and address of lead agency/agencies]
AND [name of individual].
1. I will not write graffiti or damage any property in and around the [specify area].
2. I will not congregate in groups (specify number) in communal areas of [specify the
area], i.e. stairways and walkways.
3. I will not climb on any rooftops, lift shafts or any other prohibited areas.
4. I will not throw anything at residents or passers-by in or around the estate.
5. I will not threaten or abuse residents or passers-by (specify area). This includes
swearing.
[FURTHER [name of individual] enters into a commitment with the [name of agency/ agencies] not to act in a
manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not in the same
household.]
WITNESSED
DECLARATION
I confirm that I understand the meaning of this contract and that the consequences of breaking
the contract have been explained to me.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Be prepared for the fact that both young attitude of the young people has ranged
people and parents may deny all in extremes from total silence to hostility
involvement and that feelings could run and abuse, but the latter is not usual and
high. in most cases it has been possible to
have a discussion about anti-social
Give consideration to a suitable venue
behaviour and what it means.
and seating plan so that the meeting can
take place in relative comfort with Underestimate the importance of the
enough chairs and space for everyone. preparation in advance of the meeting.
Avoid setting up barriers or creating an You cannot expect to be able to turn up
‘us-and-them’ situation. on the day and carry out an effective
interview without being clear on the
Give consideration to the type of
background to the case. Also, if you fail
activities the young person has been
to involve other relevant departments or
involved in and those that are particularly
organisations you are potentially
relevant on the estate, which you may
compromising your position in being
wish to include in the contract. These
able to pursue further action.
should not be used to prepare the
contract in advance but to include in the Prepare the final version of the contract
discussion about which activities should in advance of the meeting. This is
be included in the contract. defeating one of the key points of the
meeting, which is to encourage the
Nominate a suitable officer to take notes
young person to list the activities he/she
during the interview. Although you
has been involved in or could become
should aim to keep the number of
involved in future. A draft list of
officers to a minimum it is
activities that you may wish to include is,
recommended to have a note-taker that
however, a good idea.
will not be involved in the discussion.
Detailed notes are not required but the
main points, including stated evidence During the meeting
and denials of the allegations made, do
need to be recorded. Do
Try to ensure that the same people are Arrive promptly to allow for a pre-
involved for the duration of the contract meeting, and allow enough time for the
and monitoring period. The ABC creates meeting so you are not rushed. Some
an opportunity to establish rapport with meetings have been known to last two
young people on contracts. hours, others have been more
straightforward. The latter is preferable,
since few people have an attention span
Don’t
long enough for a two hour meeting.
Hold the meeting at the police station If the perpetrator (and, in the case of a
(unless necessary). young person. his/her parent/guardian)
Expect to be able to follow a script and fails to attend, write once more with a
for all interviews to be the same. They further date for a meeting. If they fail to
are all different. Of the interviews attend the second meeting, consider
carried out so far a significant number of moving straight to legal action, write
parents have been extremely positive setting out the seriousness of the issue
about the meetings once they overcome including details of action proposed.
their initial suspicion and concern. The Monitor the case as you would have
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
done if a contract had been signed. present have agreed the activities to be
included. Ideally arrange for someone
Wear name badges.
outside the meeting to do this for you so
Use simple language that is free from that you do not leave your colleague on
council/police jargon. his/her own. Remember that any delay
Aim to get the message across that anti- could be a source of irritation to those
social behaviour and the signing of the present and may result in a contract not
contract is an extremely serious issue, but being signed.
you should aim to keep the meeting Remember to get everyone present to
informal and relaxed to encourage full sign the contract and to provide a copy
participation of the young person and for the perpetrator to take away with
their parents. them.
Make the perpetrator (and Allow ‘time out’ if the meeting becomes
parents/guardian if a young person) heated. Consider the provision of
aware of the consequences of breaking tea/coffee if appropriate but remember
the contract. that a hot drink could be used as a
Support each other and be mindful of missile.
the issues relevant to both the police and Take notes of the meeting and any issues
the housing department e.g. possible that are raised.
criminal or civil action.
Sum up the main points at the end of
Find out how the perpetrator spends the meeting.
his/her time, what their understanding is
Provide contact details of lead officers to
of anti-social behaviour and how it may
parents if appropriate.
impact upon residents, the council,
his/her parents (if a young person), him End on a positive note. If there are no
or herself. further incidents there’ll be no further
action.
Listen to what is being said about home
circumstances and any other pressures or Thank everyone for his/her attendance.
difficulties the family is experiencing.
This will help to put together Don’t
information for dealing with the case and
involving any other relevant agencies. Behave in a confrontational manner but
state any allegations calmly. Remember
Explain the purpose of the contract,
that the aim is not to accuse but to stop
how it will be monitored and the
bad behaviour.
implications of any further incidents,
both in terms of civil action such as Single out the families for all the
possession orders and anti-social problems in the area, if they are told that
behaviour orders or criminal action such their children are one of a number of
as criminal damage, before the contract young people and others will also be
is signed. interviewed, you will find that the
parents more readily accept this and be
Take any concerns raised by the
prepared to work with you.
perpetrator seriously and attempt to
address them. Attempt to force the perpetrator to sign
the contract but DO explain why it is
Produce the final typed version of the
important and persuade them as far as
contract as quickly as possible once those
possible.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Worry if you have been unable to get a implications are should the young person
signature. This does not mean that the carry out further anti-social acts.
meeting has been a waste of time. Try to
Monitor the contract for 6 months. If
establish why there is a reluctance to
there is a further incident, regardless of
sign, attempt to address their concerns
how minor it may seem, you must bring
and keep a record of their responses. It
this to the attention of the lead officer
may be that they need time to think it
so that consideration can be given to any
over and you can suggest meeting again
further action. This could range from
in a few days time. You do need to
sending a letter to re-iterate the terms of
advise that we would like a signed
the contract, to applying for a possession
contract as this demonstrates a
order or an anti-social behaviour order. It
commitment on their part to taking the
is most important not to let a further
issue seriously, and that if they still
incident pass by seemingly unnoticed.
refuse to sign we can still pursue further
action should the bad behaviour Liaise with partner agencies if there is a
continue. This must be followed up in report of a further incident or trouble on
writing. the estate. At the very least monthly
updates must be provided at meetings
Disclose details of complainants.
between police and housing officers.
Officers should visit the young person
After the meeting with the contract, as part of the
monitoring process, on at least two
Do occasions within the six-month
Complete the Incident Record Book monitoring period. A written record of
straight after the interview. This is a very the outcome must be kept on file.
important document which will be used Ensure that any further incidents are
as evidence should further action be documented in the incident record book
pursued. promptly.
In the case of young people, copy the Write to the young person at the end of
contract to social services, children and the 6 month period. In the letter
families team, where they know the acknowledge that the contract period has
young person. The police are responsible come to an end, thank them for keeping
for sending a copy to the youth to the terms of the agreement and
offending team. remind them of the implications should
Notify patrolling police officers. there be a repeat of the unacceptable
behaviour in future.
Notify the estate services officers, other
housing officers, housing assistants,
senior caretaker and relevant caretakers Don’t
that a contract has been drawn up and Generally provide complainants (or
request assistance in monitoring further others) with details of individual young
activities. people with a contract, but DO publicise
Write to thank those present for their the fact that a number of young people
attendance and to confirm the outcome, within the area have signed a contract.
attaching a further copy of the This could act as a deterrent to others as
agreement. Advise who has been given well as encourage the reporting of
copies of the contract. This will help to incidents.
serve as a reminder of what the
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
concern might include truancy, exclusion from Offending Team, Victim Support, Health,
school, nuisance behaviour, difficulties at Education, schools local to the area, the Play
home, or drug, mental health or child Service, the Youth Service, Housing, local
protection issues. councillors, the Community Safety Team,
voluntary organisations, Connexions and the
How many Panels will there be? Anti Social Behaviour Action Group. This is
not an exhaustive list and from time to time
There will be five panels across the London
panel meetings will also involve other agencies
Borough of Camden. These will correspond
that are closely involved with the children and
with the area which come under the
young people. Other agencies can come and
jurisdiction of the Police Sector Teams and
go according to the person being discussed,
the District Housing Offices and will be as
for example, it may be appropriate on some
follows:
occasions to invite a Registered Social
Camden Town Landlord where referrals reside within their
Gospel Oak properties. The overall decision regarding the
constitution of the Panel will rest with the
Hampstead
Chair.
Holborn
Kentish Town An important factor for the effective
functioning of the panel will be consistent
attendance at panel meetings. Arrangements
What is the role of the Panels? will need to be agreed locally to ensure that
The Panels will put forward the names of each agency has a nominated deputy to make
individuals who have come to their attention certain of full attendance at panel meetings.
as a result of low level anti social behaviour. Each of the five Camden Youth Inclusion
These names can come from any of the Panel Support Panels will be serviced by an
members. They will use the expertise of the administrator whose role will include taking
representatives involved to decide whether the and distributing Minutes from the Panel
young person should be referred to the meetings, circulating the agendas and setting
nominated support agency. The decision will and maintaining a database for recording and
be based on the information received from monitoring cases.
the agencies present and a set of risk factors
which, if present, indicate that a child / young YISP Steering Group
person may become involved in offending
behaviour. The Panels will hold statutory The governance of the YISPs is held
bodies and agencies accountable for delivering strategically by the Chief Officers’ Group
services and provide a focus for co-ordinating which has responsibility for Camden’s Youth
and analysing the sharing of inter-agency Crime Reduction Strategy. The YISP Steering
information on risk factors and problem Group reports direct to the Chief Officers’
behaviour. The Panels will meet on a monthly Group and will be responsible for the
basis. evaluation of the YISPs and annual training
plan for YISP members.
MEMBERSHIP OF CAMDEN YOUTH
INCLUSION SUPPORT PANELS What is the role of the Chair within the
Panels?
Camden Youth Inclusion Support Panels will
have a standing core membership which will The chair will play a pivotal role in ensuring
be lead by a Chair and will typically involve that the Panels function efficiently whilst
representatives from the Police, the Youth adopting a professional and business like
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
manner. Their role within the Panel will Support work may be carried out by staff
include: overseeing the drafting of the agenda, from the departments and key workers
guiding proceedings in an orderly manner, represented on the YISP such as the Youth
identifying resources within the local area that Offending Team, Positive Action for Young
provide support for young people and their People, Education and Youth and
families, facilitating new initiatives, ensuring Connexions. Where appropriate and where
that all business is effectively conducted and local boundaries permit, support work will
concluded as far as possible, making the final also be provided by specified agencies. These
decision of the constitution of the Panels. may include Families in Focus (Camden and
The very nature and frequency of the Holborn), Coram Fields (Holborn), the
meetings of the Panel and the responsibilities Alexandra Resource Centre (Hampstead),
that lie therein will result in a workload that Transitions, the Neighbourhood Youth Project
may become heavy. The Chair will therefore (Kentish Town), Camden’s Community Sports
need to have the ability to manage the Panels Development Team and Holiday Activities for
efficiently and responsibly to progress Young Somalis.
business.
To enable the work of the panels and the
THE ROLE OF THE SUPPORT AGENCY support service to work effectively, the panels
AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE and the support agency will need to develop a
PANELS local strategy for targeting and weighting
behaviour according to different levels of
Where appropriate, the Panels will refer service. This would typically involve the
individuals to a support service. The support following but there will be some flexibility
service will seek permission from the within the process:
parent/carer and young person to work with 1. A letter to parent or carers informing
them to address the issues affecting or having them about young people found committing
an influence on them and will put together an acts of anti social behaviour and the
Action Plan of possible interventions that consequences of repeat misbehaviour.
could be used to support the young person.
These could include: 2. A home visit.
One-to-one work 3. If the young person continues to
Support and advice on such areas as commit acts of anti social behaviour the
drugs, sexual health, benefits, housing, panel will make a decision about whether
mental health issues they should sign up to an Acceptable
Behaviour Agreement. For young people
Mentoring under the age of 10, the Panel will
Group work decide on whether the parent / carer
should be invited to sign up to a Parental
Parent and family support
Guidance Agreement. At this stage the
Leisure activities Panel will decide on whether support
Sport should be provided to the youth and,
where appropriate, the family, to uphold
Volunteering opportunities the Agreement. This support will be
Training provided by one of the three nominated
Support Agencies.
Careers advice
4. Integrated support plan for the young
Support with educational issues person.
Counselling
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. If the young person's behaviour does Young people whose behaviour causes
not improve, or where the young person concern over potential involvement in
/ carer refuses to engage in an offending behaviour or who are
Acceptable Behaviour Agreement, an experiencing factors which tend to lead
Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) towards such behaviour
may be considered for referral to an There must be a belief that intervention
ASBO consultation group. will have a positive effect.
Parent/carer and child/young person
Traditionally within this approach, children
must be willing to take part in the
and young people move up a stage if their
process.
behaviour does not improve or if they come
to the attention of the Police or Housing
within a short time period. However some REFERRAL PROCESS
young people may go direct to stage 5 due to
A referral form should be completed for all
the seriousness of their anti social behaviour.
cases referred to the Panels. The referral form
will enable the panel to make an informed
It is suggested that the support service will
decision on whether a young person should be
begin to work with the young person and or
referred to the nominated support service.
their family who are willing to co-operate
The referral form will capture the basic
from around stage 2 - 3 using a combination
information on the young person and their
of the sources of intervention mentioned
family and the reason for the referral, together
above as part of a support package. It will be
with information on their involvement with
the responsibility of the Panel and the support
them. It will be the duty of the Panel
service to ensure that a proper course of
members to avoid duplication and gaps and to
action is implemented after work has been
ensure that a co-ordinated approach is
completed. The representative from the
adhered to. Information that could be
support service will be responsible for feeding
included is as follows:
back information on the progress of the
young person they are working with.
Schools:
The criteria for a young person's successful Truancy and exclusion, incidences of bullying
engagement with the support service should and violence. Achievement levels
include factors relating to:
Their level of co-operation with the Local Education Authority, including
Support Agency. Education Welfare and Connexions:
Improvements in behaviour and Admission records and transfer requests,
reductions in offending or anti social young people picked up by truancy patrols
behaviour.
Any reported increase in participation Social Services:
levels in education and other services. Young people on the child protection register,
children looked after and young people using
What are the criteria for nominations to drugs
the Panels?
Housing:
Aged 8 - 17 inclusive
Young people reported for nuisance, anti
Residents of the London Borough of social behaviour and criminal behaviour
Camden
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Youth Offending Team and Probation: It is an important principle of the initiative for
Young people who have family members all referrals to support services to be carried
involved in offending or who have received out with the consent of the young person and
Final Warnings. their parent/carer. The support service will be
responsible for obtaining written consent
Youth Service: from the parents or carers for intensive work
to be done with the young person and for
Young people contacted by detached and
them to be discussed within the Panel.
youth workers not engaged in positive
activities and involved in anti social behaviour.
Information Sharing
Play Service: An integral aspect of the Panels will be the
sharing and storage of sensitive personalised
Children brought to the attention of the Play
information on an individual's circumstances
Service and not engaged in positive activities
and risk factors related to predicting
and engaged in anti social behaviour.
offending.
Police:
Existing legislation (e.g. Crime and Disorder
Young people involved in offending under10 Act 1998, section 115) allows and enables the
years, young people exposed to domestic sharing of personalised information between
violence and children who have received a certain agencies for the purpose of preventing
reprimand. and reducing crime by young people who are
at risk of becoming involved in offending or
The administrator will be responsible for who have offended.
acting as a central point for receiving all
completed referral forms and for updating the
Identification Referral and Tracking system.
The Panel will make the decision about
whether the young person is referred to a
support service.
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
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Produced by COI on behalf of the Home Office, August 2007. Ref: 283428
ISBN 978-1-84726-504-3 HO_00864_G