Parenting

The Youth Offending Team primarily works with young people between the ages of 10 and 17 years who are in conflict with the law.  However, often parents need support in coping with young people who are in trouble.  

Among the staff are specialist parenting support co-ordinators who work with parents who attend programmes voluntarily, or as a condition of a court order.  

Parents of teenagers in trouble often feel isolated and at a loss in terms of effecting change, particularly as young people between the ages of ten and seventeen go through seven years of non-stop change.  Challenge and conflict are a normal part of life but when our young people become involved in crime questions may be raised about the abilities of parents.  Were they too strict, or did they give them too much freedom?

The Youth Offending Team provides a programme of eight sessions which aims to give parents/carers an insight into:

• Different ways of relating to their teenagers who have been in trouble with the police.
• Thinking and talking about building on the positive aspects of family life;
• What it’s like to be a teenager and to be a parent;
• What causes children and parents to behave the way they do;
• How to listen to, and communicate better with their children;
• How to manage conflict and negotiate;
• How to help children cope with change and accept responsibility;
• Setting boundaries; being an authoritative parent;
• Where to find help and support when needed.

For more information contact the parent support co-ordinator in your area.