Asbos rise likely in England and Wales

The number of antisocial behaviour orders issued to children in England and Wales in 2005 is likely to be higher than in 2004.

Latest government figures show that 1,058 Asbos were given to children in the nine months to September 2005, nearly as many as the 1,077 issued to the group in the whole of 2004.

Children received nearly two-fifths of Asbos issued in the latest nine-month period covered.

Barnardo’s chief executive Martin Narey said Asbos were “catapulting” children into custody when they breached the conditions of orders.

● The British Institute for Brain Injured Children has put together a training package for youth offending teams to help professionals understand the behaviour of children with learning difficulties who may be at risk of getting Asbos. Contact www.bibic.org.uk