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Some probation officers are refusing to supervise anti-social behaviour orders because they “don’t believe” in the policy, a conference has heard, writes Maria Ahmed from the conference in Loughborough.

A police officer from London told a seminar at rehabilitation agency Nacro’s annual youth crime conference that many probation officers believed asbos were criminalising individuals and “unnecessary”.

A youth offending team worker also raised concerns over the “side-lining” of Yots in decision-making about asbos.

She told a seminar: “We are being undermined and it is very frustrating as we often have the most contact with the young people involved.”

Another worker said asbos were a sign that “society had failed” to divert individuals away from antisocial activities and offer adequate support.

He added: “Services, not the young person, should be held to account.”

Nacro’s annual conference in Loughborough is examining the effects of antisocial behaviour legislation on children and young people.