Legal Interventions

Parenting orders: Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (opens new window)

Parenting orders are an additional order that can be imposed following conviction for non-attendance alongside a fine and/or community order. The agreement of the parents is not required before an order is made.

A parenting order may be appropriate where the parent has not engaged in support to improve their child's attendance and where an obligation to do so would help change parental behaviour. Therefore, the Local Authority may recommend a parenting order as part of a prosecution if deemed an appropriate measure to support a child's attendance at school.

A parenting order would require a parent to comply with the arrangements specified in the order by the Court which can include a requirement for parents to attend counselling or guidance sessions (e.g. parenting education or parenting support classes) where they will receive help and support to enable them to improve their child's attendance for up to 3 months.

All parenting orders must specify a 'responsible officer' which will be named on the order. This should be the most appropriate lead practitioner working with the family, such as a family support worker or social worker.

A failure to comply with a parenting order can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.