Being a parent and raising a child into this world is one of the most challenging roles of an individual. This role and responsibility is made even more challenging when the parents are separated or have gotten into a divorce. For some cases, the stress and trauma leads a child to be delinquent. In this case, a Parenting Order is executed.
The Parenting or Parental Order
A parenting order is a court order issued to provide guidance and support to parents. It is made to assist parents in the event that their children are starting to display troublesome attitude. The order prevents children from developing into offenders in the future or for them to develop antisocial behaviour. A Parenting Order helps parents get their children into school every day and address behavioural issues at school after the child is isolated.
What if a parenting order is issued for me?
When a parenting order is issued to you, you are bound to attend a parenting program that could last for up to three months, although it can also extend for up to 12 months. This parenting program will help you become a more effective parent in handling your child’s behaviour.
It will also provide guidance and support in the process of improving your child’s behaviour. The court may order additional requirements, such as for you to ensure that your child adheres to a curfew or for you to ensure that your child attends school on a regular basis and on time.
The parenting program could be residential or non-residential. The court will decide whichever is more suited or reasonable considering the circumstance of your family.
Who can be issued with a parenting order?
Any parent or carer with whom a child or a minor lives with can be issued with a Parenting Order. With this premise, this makes grandparents or stepparents eligible to be issued with the Order. A parent may be issued with a Parenting Order even if he or she is not living with the young person as long as he or she is in constant contact with the minor. There are cases wherein both parents get the same Parenting Order, while there are also cases when they get separate orders. It all depends on the circumstances as deemed fitted by the court.
The Parenting Order Process
Before the court issues a Parenting Order, a Youth Offending Team or Local Education Authority will talk with you and will conduct an assessment to better understand the circumstances surrounding the child’s behaviour. The assessment will eventually lead to a court appearance.
The assessment will determine if you are suited to be issued with a Parenting Order or if you will be offered to be assisted voluntarily. The Youth Offending Team or Local Education Authority will recommend an applicable support suitable to you and your child’s situation. This will also be dovetailed with a written report to be submitted to the court.
In cases where children are below 16 years, the Court will peruse the circumstances surrounding the child’s family and environment before a Parenting Order is issued. For children who are above 16 years old, the court will decide if it will require additional information to come up with a resolution.
The Parenting Contract
On ordinary circumstances, the Youth Offending Team or Local Education Authority will offer voluntary help before a Parenting Order is recommended and issued. However, if the situation calls for it, such as for situations that require a more structured approach, YOT and LEA may have to recommend a Parenting Contract.
A Parenting Contract is a written agreement between the Youth Offending Team or Local Education Authority and the parent. The agreement provides all the information necessary to be conducted in order to attain particular goals. The officer in charge of YOT or LEA is responsible in planning out how the goals will be achieved.
Appeal and Violation
A Parenting Order can be appealed before the court where it was issued. In most cases, Parenting Orders are issued at the Magistrates Court. The court issues a summons in case a parent or carer fails to appear at the court.
During the process, a responsible officer will be assigned to the parent. Any issues or concerns must be addressed to the responsible officer. In case the parent is sick or cannot make it to the sessions, the responsible officer must be informed accordingly.
