Other authorities have adapted ABCs to tackle problems caused by adults, such as noise or neighbour disputes. It's a good idea to pilot the scheme in a small area to test what works and what doesn't.
Police help with your inquiries
The most important partner is your local police force. Police officers tend to favour ABCs but there can be difficulties, particularly since antisocial behaviour often does not involve criminal activity. Where police have other priorities, draw their attention to forces that have adopted the scheme and benefit from it.
It is also important to involve other agencies but don't be surprised if you meet suspicion. Housing and police officers are usually associated with enforcement and you will probably find that other agencies think the scheme is about prison or eviction. Young people involved in antisocial behaviour are often known to more than one agency. These can play a valuable part in diverting them from nuisance. Agencies involved in play and youth provision can be invaluable. We also plan to work with the fire brigade and environmental health.
Stopping the nuisance
Housing and police officers must work in partnership during the interview but we recommend it takes place in a housing office, or school if appropriate. If it takes place at the police station it will be associated with criminal action and you are unlikely to engage the young person or the parents in the process. In the family home, on the other hand, you are less likely to be able to control the meeting should feelings run high.
Remember that the whole purpose of the scheme is to get bad behaviour to stop. The interview involving the young person, his or her parents, police and housing officers is not simply about getting a signed contract.
Our interview is not of an enforcement type where allegations are put to an alleged perpetrator and they respond. It works better where officers talk about a general problem where the individual has been identified as one of those involved.
It's about drawing a line under the bad behaviour of the past and looking ahead rather than apportioning blame. There is a supportive element – we do not want to have to pursue enforcement action, but we will, if the nuisance doesn't stop.
The aim of the interview is that everyone understands what is meant by antisocial behaviour, what effect it has on others and the implications should further incidents take place. It is also about listening to the young person and his or her family. Involve offenders in listing activities they will not become involved in. The conditions must be worded so it is clear what is expected.
It is better to target ringleaders than all involved. This gives the scheme more credibility and keeps numbers manageable. Numbers need to be kept to an agreed manageable level to assist with monitoring and to ensure a response should there be a breach. There must always be a response to a breach no matter how minor it is. Without this, the scheme loses all credibility.
The family must be re-interviewed at the end of the contract period, thanked for keeping to the agreement and reminded of the implications of bad behaviour.
Why ABCs work
Young people adhere to them because they are party to the design of the content; parents support them because the consequences of a breach will affect the entire family. Both parents and young people take responsibility for their actions.
ABCs are fast and flexible. They have a direct, positive impact upon the quality of life for the local community.
Source
Housing Today
Postscript
Alison Blackburn is a member of Islington's antisocial behaviour team and Jyoti Vaja is executive member for housing and community safety
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