Authorities get funding to support young people with Asbos
Tom Lloyd
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The government is making 13 million pounds available to local authorities in its latest attempt to combat antisocial behaviour.
In particular it wants to increase the use of individual support orders (ISOs) alongside antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos).
ISOs are designed to ensure young people who are given Asbos get the support they need to adhere to the restrictions placed on their behaviour.
But less than 10 per cent of Asbos currently issued have an ISO attached, and previous efforts to increase take up have been unsuccessful.
In this latest drive 52 local authorities in England have been asked to bid for funding to run Challenge and Support projects.
The projects will work with young people deemed likely to become involved in crime, such as truants, and those who have had some contact with the police.
They will also be responsible for ensuring that when young people are given an Asbo and an ISO they get the support they need.
For example if drug use is identified as a cause of criminal behaviour the offender will get access to a drug or alcohol support programme supervised by the local youth offending team. If they do not accept the support they could get a criminal record, and a fine of up to £1,000.
Children's secretary Ed Balls said: "Individual support orders are not a soft option. They challenge young people to change their behaviour for the long term. Local areas need to make sure that they intervene early and deliver a coordinated approach, alongside enforcement measures like Asbos."
Further details of the Challenge and Support schemes will be set out in the Youth Taskforce Action Plan, which is expected later in the year.
ISOs are designed to ensure young people who are given Asbos get the support they need to adhere to the restrictions placed on their behaviour.
But less than 10 per cent of Asbos currently issued have an ISO attached, and previous efforts to increase take up have been unsuccessful.
In this latest drive 52 local authorities in England have been asked to bid for funding to run Challenge and Support projects.
The projects will work with young people deemed likely to become involved in crime, such as truants, and those who have had some contact with the police.
They will also be responsible for ensuring that when young people are given an Asbo and an ISO they get the support they need.
For example if drug use is identified as a cause of criminal behaviour the offender will get access to a drug or alcohol support programme supervised by the local youth offending team. If they do not accept the support they could get a criminal record, and a fine of up to £1,000.
Children's secretary Ed Balls said: "Individual support orders are not a soft option. They challenge young people to change their behaviour for the long term. Local areas need to make sure that they intervene early and deliver a coordinated approach, alongside enforcement measures like Asbos."
Further details of the Challenge and Support schemes will be set out in the Youth Taskforce Action Plan, which is expected later in the year.
