Acceptable behaviour contract

In the United Kingdom, an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)^[1] is an early intervention with individuals who are perceived to be engaging in anti-social behaviour. Though they may be used against adults, almost all ABCs concern young people between the ages of 10-18.^[2][3] In the case of a breach of contract or the continuation of unacceptable behavior an Anti-social behaviour order may be used.^[1]

History

Anti-social behaviour orders were introduced in April 1999 under the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The legislation was amended by the Police Reform Act 2002.^[1] ABCs were first used in Islington in the early 2000s. ^[4]

Process

An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) is an agreement between an individual who has taken part in antisocial behavior and a local agency. The contract is a voluntary document that is agreed to by both parties and signed.^[1] ABCs are not legal documents.^[3]

Contract

An ABC is individually drawn up for each person.^[3] The contract contains a list of anti-social behaviours as terms, as well as consequences should the terms be breached.^[5] Anti-social behavior contracts are typically six months in length, although other lengths of time can be used.^[1]

Examples of terms:

I will not:

• damage property
• verbally abuse passersby
• write graffiti
• throw stones or other objects
• congregate in groups
• climb on public or private property
• spit
• smoke in public
• set fire to things
• physically harass people
• damage the environment
• smash glass
• damage cars^[1]

Consequences of Breaches

ABCs are executed generally following two warnings. As part of an ABC, signers are asked to recognise that a breach may result in further consequences. ABCs are not legally binding, although an ABC breach is often used as evidence to support an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), a breach of which is a criminal offence. If the ASBO is breached, offenders may face imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to £2,000.^{[citation needed]}