Parenting Contracts, Parenting Orders & Truancy Sweeps

Parenting Contracts

Parenting Contracts are voluntary agreements made between local agencies and a parent or parents. They set out what parents will do to address the anti-social behaviour of a child or children for whom they are responsible. The may contain an agreement to attend a parenting programme, or to ensure that a child attends school regularly. They are often made between schools or local education authorities with the parent(s) of a child who has truanted or been excluded from school.

Parenting Orders

A court can enforce Parenting Orders when there has been a problem with a young person's behaviour. They impose requirements on the parent(s) or guardian, which will usually include their attendance on a guidance or counselling programme. Other requirements, such as ensuring that the child attends school, can also be included. Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Truancy Sweeps

Truancy sweeps aim to tackle non-attendance and involve the Police and Educational; Welfare officers working together Truancy sweeps are carried out during normal school hours. They involve stopping any young person believed to be of school age, whether accompanied by an adult or not. The intention is to establish whether or not the young person is registered at school and, if so, whether he/she is out of school legitimately. If the authenticity of the absence is in doubt the education welfare officer (EWO) will follow up each case individually to substantiate the reasons given for the absence.
Truancy can help to identify parents who are not taking their child's attendance seriously. Parents who allow their child to truant regularly can be dealt prosecuted by means of fixed penalty or court sanctions.