Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Minister Proposes Tougher Parenting Orders for Children’s Crimes
The government wants parents to take a more active role when their children commit crimes.
Courts could order parents to attend counselling, guidance or other sessions.
Under new proposals, parents who do not cooperate could lose some benefits or, in very serious cases, go to prison.
A judge would decide what punishment is appropriate.
Ministers say the system would combine help for families with stronger consequences.
Critics say punishing parents may not give children the stability or support they need.
The proposals follow concerns raised by the Southport Inquiry.
The government does not currently plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility above 10.
Youth justice minister Jake Richards said parents could lose benefits or face prison if they fail to address their children’s offending.
Richards said judges would decide penalties, with imprisonment reserved for the most extreme cases.
Parenting Orders have fallen from more than 1,000 in 2009/10 to 33 in 2022/23.
The Alliance for Youth Justice said voluntary parental engagement is generally more effective than punishment.
The government also plans Youth Intervention Courts, more community sentences and a new offence for adults who exploit children into crime.
- Who
- Youth justice minister Jake Richards, the government, parents or guardians, and organisations working with children and young people.
- What
- Proposed changes would strengthen Parenting Orders and allow financial penalties or, in extreme cases, imprisonment for parents who fail to support efforts to address their children’s offending.
- When
- The proposals follow government plans announced in May; current Parenting Order figures cited cover 2009/10 to 2022/23.
- Where
- England and Wales.
- Why
- Ministers say the changes would hold parents accountable, help turn around young offenders and improve community safety.
Support for Tougher Accountability
Concerns About Punishing Parents
Parental responsibility
Support for Tougher Accountability
Ministers say parents and carers who deliberately fail to support efforts to address their children’s behaviour should face real consequences.
Concerns About Punishing Parents
The Alliance for Youth Justice argues that voluntary engagement is generally more effective for building trust and supporting families.
Possible imprisonment
Support for Tougher Accountability
Supporters say custody could be available for the most extreme cases, with judges controlling its use.
Concerns About Punishing Parents
Critics question how imprisoning parents would provide stability or support for the child.
Age of criminal responsibility
Support for Tougher Accountability
Jake Richards said raising the age above 10 would undermine public faith in the justice system and was not a priority.
Concerns About Punishing Parents
The Bar Council has called for the age to be raised to 14, while the United Nations has previously urged the UK to raise it to at least 14.
- Proposed penalties
- Parents could face reduced benefits or prison in the most serious cases.
- Decision-maker
- Judges would decide whether and how penalties should be imposed.
- Current breach penalty
- Breaching a Parenting Order is a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of £1,000.
- Parenting Order decline
- Use fell from more than 1,000 orders in 2009/10 to 33 in 2022/23.
- Current age threshold
- The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales remains 10.
- Planned reforms
- The programme includes Youth Intervention Courts, expanded community sentences and reduced unnecessary custodial remand for children.