Acceptable behaviour contract
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.[2]
The contract, drawn up and agreed upon by the agencies concerned in consultation with the individual, contains both negative and positive conditions, addressing the behaviours the individual will cease to partake in and those that the individual will pursue in order to change their behaviour.
Escalation
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.
History
ABCs were first used in Islington in the early 2000s,[3] and rolled out nationwide thereafter.
References
- ^ "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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "The ABC of controlling young troublemakers". TheGuardian.com. 29 August 2001.