North Somerset Logo

Parenting Orders

These orders helps parents prevent their children from re-offending and missing school.

They provide mothers and fathers with the support, guidance and training they need for up to 12 months.


They also require parents to attend either a parenting skills course or a weekly counselling or guidance session.

Additional requirements may also ask parents or guardians to ensure their children stay at home during set hours and that they attend school regularly and on time.

Parenting Orders are handed out by courts if a child has committed an offence or has failed to attend their school.
It is always best if parents or guardians attend any court hearings as they give them a chance to express their views and to obtain legal advice from a solicitor.

Those who cannot attend should contact the court to explain and may be asked for a medical certificate if they are ill.

However, these orders can be granted without them being there.

The courts carry out an assessment of family circumstances and look into what effect an order is likely to have on a family before issuing one.

This involves parents meeting our Youth Offending Team where we attempt to gain an understanding of the problems and issues which may have contributed to the court appearance.

We then recommend the most suitable support for those involved.

Failure to stick to the order's conditions without a valid reason will result in a breach of the order which initially results in a written warning and a review meeting should any problems persist.

Further failures to comply result in another court appearance where parents face a possible £1000 fine and re-sentencing which could result in them receiving an absolute or conditional discharge or a Community Rehabilitation Order.

For further information download and view our What is a Parenting Order leaflet or contact our Youth Offending Team.

Send us your ideas and comments Have your say

Events Listing
Contact details