In the United Kingdom, an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) [1] is an early intervention with individuals who are perceived to be engaging in anti-social behaviour. Though they may be used against adults, almost all ABCs concern young people between the ages of 10-18. [2] [3] In the case of a breach of contract or the continuation of unacceptable behavior an Anti-social behaviour order may be used. [1]
History
Anti-social behaviour orders were introduced in April 1999 under the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The legislation was amended by the Police Reform Act 2002. [1] ABCs were first used in Islington in the early 2000s. [4]
Process
An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is an agreement between an individual who has taken part in antisocial behavior and a local agency. The contract is a voluntary document that is agreed to by both parties and signed. [1] ABCs are not legal documents. [3]
Contract
An ABC is individually drawn up for each person. [3] The contract contains a list of anti-social behaviours as terms, as well as consequences should the terms be breached. [5] Anti-social behavior contracts are typically six months in length, although other lengths of time can be used. [1]
Examples of terms:
I will not:
- damage property
- verbally abuse passersby
- write graffiti
- throw stones or other objects
- congregate in groups
- climb on public or private property
- spit
- smoke in public
- set fire to things
- physically harass people
- damage the environment
- smash glass
- damage cars [1]
Consequences of Breaches
ABCs are executed generally following two warnings. As part of an ABC, signers are asked to recognise that a breach may result in further consequences. ABCs are not legally binding, although an ABC breach is often used as evidence to support an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), a breach of which is a criminal offence. If the ASBO is breached, offenders may face imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to £2,000.[ citation needed]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "A Guide to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts" (PDF). UK Government Publications. UK Home Office Communication Directorate. Mar 2003. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
- ^ "Acceptable behaviour contracts | Home Office". Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
- ^ a b c "Acceptable behaviour agreements (ABA) | Croydon Council". www.croydon.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ "The ABC of controlling young troublemakers". TheGuardian.com. 29 August 2001.
- ^ "Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)". ASB HELP. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
See also
In the United Kingdom, an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) [1] is an early intervention with individuals who are perceived to be engaging in anti-social behaviour. Though they may be used against adults, almost all ABCs concern young people between the ages of 10-18. [2] [3] In the case of a breach of contract or the continuation of unacceptable behavior an Anti-social behaviour order may be used. [1]
History
Anti-social behaviour orders were introduced in April 1999 under the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The legislation was amended by the Police Reform Act 2002. [1] ABCs were first used in Islington in the early 2000s. [4]
Process
An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is an agreement between an individual who has taken part in antisocial behavior and a local agency. The contract is a voluntary document that is agreed to by both parties and signed. [1] ABCs are not legal documents. [3]
Contract
An ABC is individually drawn up for each person. [3] The contract contains a list of anti-social behaviours as terms, as well as consequences should the terms be breached. [5] Anti-social behavior contracts are typically six months in length, although other lengths of time can be used. [1]
Examples of terms:
I will not:
- damage property
- verbally abuse passersby
- write graffiti
- throw stones or other objects
- congregate in groups
- climb on public or private property
- spit
- smoke in public
- set fire to things
- physically harass people
- damage the environment
- smash glass
- damage cars [1]
Consequences of Breaches
ABCs are executed generally following two warnings. As part of an ABC, signers are asked to recognise that a breach may result in further consequences. ABCs are not legally binding, although an ABC breach is often used as evidence to support an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), a breach of which is a criminal offence. If the ASBO is breached, offenders may face imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to £2,000.[ citation needed]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "A Guide to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts" (PDF). UK Government Publications. UK Home Office Communication Directorate. Mar 2003. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
- ^ "Acceptable behaviour contracts | Home Office". Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
- ^ a b c "Acceptable behaviour agreements (ABA) | Croydon Council". www.croydon.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ "The ABC of controlling young troublemakers". TheGuardian.com. 29 August 2001.
- ^ "Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)". ASB HELP. Retrieved 2022-04-01.