Asbos encourage crime, says think-tank

Anti-social behaviour orders are actually encouraging children into crime, according to an influential think-tank.

 

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said that the government's measures can become a "self-fulfilling prophecy" leading to more offending.

 

The IPPR's intervention comes ahead of the publication of the government's children's plan on Tuesday.

 

According to the think-tank, Asbos should only be handed to children under 12 if accompanied by family or parenting orders.

 

Anyone up to the age of 18 must be fully assessed by children's services and the duration of the orders should only be between six months and two years - rather than the 10-year maximum currently allowed.

 

The study will also insist that there should be more support for families whose children are identified as at risk of turning to crime, and say all adults need to be made aware of their responsibility to set "norms of behaviour" for youngsters.

 

IPPR co-director Carey Oppenheim said: "The problem with kids these days is the way adults are treating them.

 

" Britain is in danger of becoming a nation fearful of its young people: a nation of paedophobics.

 

"We need policy which reminds adults - parents and non-parents alike - that it is their responsibility to set norms of behaviour and to maintain them through positive and authoritative interaction with young people."

 

Paul Cavadino, chief executive of crime reduction charity Nacro, said: "Asbos have a high failure rate because they are an entirely negative approach.

 

"They impose restrictions on children without providing positive help to the child or their family."

 

A Home Office spokesman said: "The majority of Asbos - 56 per cent - are actually for adults, not young people.

 

"We must also remember that the victims of anti-social behaviour are often young people themselves and they have a right to be protected.

 

"Asbos are not just about penalising - they provide the opportunity for support to be given, often for the first time. They can get young people back into school, help with mental health and behavioural problems and, crucially, provide support to parents.

 

"The law-abiding majority must be protected from the anti-social minority."