CYP Now - Analysis: Anti-social behaviour - Scotland veers away from Asbos

Last year it became possible to place an anti-social behaviour order on children under 16 in Scotland, so why is this power not being used when more than half of the orders issued in England are imposed on children aged 10 to 17? David Singleton investigates.

The anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) has divided local authorities ever since it was launched across the UK in April 1999.

Many housing departments view Asbos as a vital tool in the fight against teenage tearaways who make residents' lives a misery. But for many youth offending teams, they have no long-term benefits and have created a situation where children are locked up for low-level offences.

Across England, it is the first view that seems to have prevailed in most councils. Home Office figures show that more than half of Asbos are issued to young people aged from 10 to 17, and more than 200 orders have been issued to this age group in Greater Manchester alone.

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