Parenting Order

Where a pupil has been excluded school for a fixed period or permanently a local education authority may apply to a Magistrates' Court for a parenting order in respect of a parent of the pupil.

Where a child is before the court in connection with anti-social behaviour the court may make a parenting order in respect of a parent.

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

The programme may be or include a residential course if the court is satisfied that it is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in improving the behaviour of the pupil and 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.