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We know that being a parent is a difficult and challenging job but the importance of the family in the prevention of young people’s involvement in anti-social behaviour and crime cannot be underestimated.
There are many reasons why teenagers are uncooperative and display difficult and challenging behaviours.
We believe in strengthening family ties and increasing parental responsibility, therefore the aim of the Youth Offending Service is to offer a supportive and practical service to develop parenting skills positively.
This may include
- An opportunity to gain individual advice and support for any issues that concern you
- Various forms of interventions to address your needs if they are impacting on your parenting
- Help in reducing Stress
- Effective Communication
- Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour
- Access to Local Support Groups / Agencies
- Changes that Teenagers may go through
- Parenting Styles and What Works
- Self-Esteem
The support may be in the form of:
- Guidance and support on a one-to-one basis
- Family and group based programmes
- Parenting Workshops and Groups - Workshops on specific subjects such as drugs, sexual health are offered as well as support groups
What can you expect from Parenting Your Teenager Programme (PYTIM)
- Time to share any difficulties you may have with your children
- To realise that you are not alone when it comes to problem teenagers
- To be listened to and supported
How the Programme Works
A member of the Parenting and Prevention team working within the Youth Offending Service will contact you to arrange a home visit.
The first visit will involve an assessment / understanding of the family and those people close to the young person. A planned programme of visits will involve a minimum of 6 visits over a period of 12 weeks.
The aims of these sessions are to enhance your knowledge and skills to deal with challenging adolescent behaviour.
The programme is flexible, and arranged to suit your needs and requirements.
An evaluation of the programme will be undertaken, to provide evidence of how valuable the support was to you.
Clients comments from a group re union
‘I practice lots of things I learnt – I feel I stay much calmer now’
‘I enjoyed the talks and other peoples views and ideas’
‘I liked sharing ideas and knowing you are not on your own’
‘I use time out – time to talk – sanctions’
‘Life is easier – I have things in place if I need to use them’
‘I like - if you need help there is always someone to talk to’
Parenting Orders
The team also gives support to parents who have been given a parenting order by the courts. Parenting Orders can be given to the parents/carers of young people who offend, or who have received a Child Safety Order, Anti-Social Behaviour Order or Sex Offender Order.
They can last from 3 to 12 months. A parent/carer who receives a Parenting Order will be required to attend counselling or guidance sessions.
In these circumstances we have a duty to provide a 12 week programme of intervention, ensuring the attendance and participation of the parent/carer.
Also to ensure any specific conditions of the order are being implemented, such as attending their child's school, ensuring their child does not visit a particular place unsupervised or ensuring their child is at home at particular times
Parallel interventions
The project also involves the participation of young people in the assessment and action planning process and provides one to one and group work interventions designed to support them in addressing their behaviour and the associated causes - by the use of pro social modelling and cognitive behavioural interventions alongside meaningful diversionary activities.
The difference for these young people will be involvement in pro social activities which will promote their self confidence, challenge their thinking, behaviour and attitudes, which will be reinforced by their parents receiving support and guidance. They will have gained a future commitment to enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution to their community and staying safe.
The YOS supports Manchester City Councils Positive and Responsible Parenting strategy –
‘we want to give children and young people the best possible chances in life. We believe parents are vital in helping their children to grow up safe, healthy and successful.’
Referrals can be made by our partner agencies police, education, housing and social services as well as internally from the Youth Offending Service. |
