Housing told to use behaviour contracts

Housing associations last week were encouraged to use acceptable
behaviour contracts when dealing with antisocial young
people.

A Housing Corporation spokesperson described the contracts as more
inclusive and consultative than the harsher antisocial behaviour
orders, as well as potentially more effective.

In a circular issued to housing associations about how they should
prepare their antisocial behaviour policies, required under the
Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003, the corporation suggests that
prevention should be an essential part of housing associations’
approach.

The circular stresses that young perpetrators of antisocial
behaviour often have problems with their family and school due to
their behaviour. It says there may be a need to involve parents and
guardians and obtain information from schools and social services
in order to understand the causes of the young person’s
behaviour.

Close partnership working with other agencies, such as social
services, youth offending teams, police and drug action teams, is
also recommended.

– From www.housingcorp.gov.uk/