Parenting orders
What CCATS can offer?
What is a Parenting Order?
This is a new order under the Crime and Disorder act 1998. The parenting order will give you support, guidance and training for any period from 3– 24 months to help you prevent your child from re-offending and/or to help you get them attending school every day, as well as to negotiate any other difficulties you are having with your child/children.
Who can be given a Parenting Order?
Any parent or carer that a young person lives with can be given a parenting order- this may include a step- parent. A parent who is not living with the young person but is in regular contact may also be issued with an order separately from their other parent.
What Happens if I am given a Parenting Order?
You must attend both:
A parenting skills course
AND
Weekly counselling or guidance sessions.
The court may add other requirements such as curfews, and escorting your child to school lasting for up to two years.
How does the court decide to issue a Parenting Order?
The court must collect information on your family circumstances and what effect a parenting order may have. This is called an assessment.
An assessment will involve a CCATS parenting co- ordinator arranging to talk to you to gain an understanding of the problems and issues that may have contributed to the court appearance. S/he will consider your suitability for group and/or one– to—one sessions.
What if I don’t go to the court?
A parenting order can be made without the parent or guardian in court.
As a supportive parent it is best for your child if you go to court.
It gives you a chance to express your views if the court asks for them.
You will also be able to get legal advice from your solicitor about being placed on a parenting order and on your rights to appeal against it.
Why Attend?
You may have been struggling for some time with your child’s behaviour, trying to get help but no one is listening. Your child may not have been going to school or is getting into trouble with the police. Now you have been asked to attend court with your child. This may mean that alongside your child being sentenced, you may be given a parenting order.