Crime & communities
Tackling fear of crime & disorder in the community
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)
An ABC is a written agreement between a person that has been involved in anti-social behaviour and one or more local agencies whose role it is to prevent such behaviour. Islington Borough Council initially used ABCs, and their use is now being encouraged throughout England and Wales.
The contract is agreed and signed at a meeting with the individual. Where the person is a child or young person, parents or guardians should be encouraged to attend. The contract should list the acts in which the person has been involved and which they agree not to continue. If the individual can be involved in drawing up the contract, it may help them to recognise the impact of their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions.
Legal action in the form of an ASBO can be stated as the possible consequences of a breach of the contract. The threat of legal action provides an incentive to ensure that the contract is adhered to. An ABC is not necessarily a precursor to an ASBO, but a breach of an ABC can be used as evidence in an ASBO application. ABCs usually last for six months, but can be renewed.
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Last update: Thursday, October 26, 2006