What are acceptable behaviour contracts or agreements?

An acceptable behaviour contract (ABC) is a written agreement between a person who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and one or more local agencies whose role it is to prevent such behaviour.

ABCs are most commonly used for young people but may also be used for adults. Although acceptable behaviour contracts may be used with people of any age, an agency should consider whether it is practical to engage a child under the age of 10 in a contract; it may be more appropriate to agree a parental control agreement with the child's parent or guardian where they agree to take responsibility for controlling their child's behaviour.

The contract is agreed and signed at a meeting with the individual and the lead agencies. Where the person whose behaviour is at issue is a child or young person, parents or guardians should be encouraged to attend. It is essential that parents are made aware of their child's behaviour and its impact, and are encouraged to engage in changing this behaviour.

The contract specifies a list of anti-social acts in which the person has been involved and which they agree not to continue. Where possible the individual should be involved in drawing up the contract. This may encourage them to recognise the impact of their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions.

Support to address the underlying causes of the behaviour should be offered in parallel to the contract. This may include diversionary activities (such as attendance at a youth project), counselling or support for the family. It is vital to ascertain which agencies are already involved, especially where the individual is aged between 10 and 17 years.

Legal action in the form of an anti-social behaviour order or possession order (if the individual is in social housing) should be stated on the contract where this is the potential consequence of breach. The threat of legal action provides an incentive to ensure that the contract is adhered to.