Child Curfew Schemes

In today's society there has emerged a need for so-called curfew schemes to be put in place to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour at the hands of children. These curfew schemes are designed to reduce the likelihood that children involved - or suspected of being involved - in anti-social behaviour are out on the streets at times when these offences occur.

What is a Child Curfew Scheme?

A Child curfew scheme is designed - as we have already touched upon - to reduce the number of children actively participating in anti-social behaviour on the streets at night. These curfew schemes not only help reduce the number of children out at night but they also help to identify those individuals who are actively engaged in such activities.

Child curfew schemes are operated with the co-operation of local authorities, Youth Offending Teams, the police and local councils and have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anti-social behaviour in areas where it was once rife.

Dispersal Orders

A Dispersal Order is an order that has been issued by the local police and local authorities with the backing of the Secretary of State and local community groups. They work on the basis that police have the power to stop and detain any individual who is seen to be present in a particular area and a particular time without good reason.

If a Dispersal Order is active in a particular area then anyone not being able to demonstrate good reason for their presence there - or failing to give correct details - can be detained and removed to a local police station where they may be held until an appropriate adult arrives.

Child Curfew Schemes and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

As a result of the success in Child Curfew Schemes police and local authorities are combating the problem of anti-social behaviour by issuing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). These voluntary and informal agreements entered into by the police, the individual involved, their parents and the local authorities are a productive way of reducing instances of anti-social behaviour without resorting to appearing before magistrates and having them issue Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

However if an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is entered into by the minor and the Parenting Contract entered into by the parent of said minor and these are broken then the police and local authority may pursue the matter through the courts with a view to having an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) issued.

When are Child Curfew Schemes in Effect?

For the majority of Child Curfew Schemes there are designated times during which the police have the right to stop, question and detain any individual who is in an area which is protected by such a scheme. Generally these curfews are in operation from 9pm at night until 6am in the morning and this is effective more so during the summer months when the nights are lighter for longer and children tend to want to play outside.

In areas where Child Curfew Schemes are in operation is more than likely that there will be an increase in the number of police patrols in order to help reduce further the numbers of children who may deem it appropriate to try and flout the system

If you want to find out more about Child Curfew Schemes and indeed propose the use of one in your community you should first contact your community police officer who will be able to offer advice and support.