Children’s workforce backs Asbos for kids

More than seven out of 10 people who work with children and young people think it is right to consider the use of antisocial behaviour orders for under-18s, new research by 0-19 reveals.

Results of a 0-19.co.uk survey of some 200 staff from across the sector reveal that only 28% think Asbos are never appropriate for children and young people. By comparison, four out 10 think the majority of Asbos serve a useful purpose.

Although almost half are happy for Asbos to be considered for children aged 14 and under, more than 60 per cent of respondents think the two-year minimum period for Asbos for children and young people should be reduced to six months or less.

However, more than a quarter believe the two-year minimum period for an Asbo should remain – despite calls from youth offending team managers to the contrary.

Two-thirds of respondents delivered a damning verdict on current policy and legislation, accusing it of increasing the demonisation of young people in today’s society.