| The interim order, imposed by the Sheriff Court, will be in force until a full hearing of the case next month, when the council will be seeking a full ASBO.
It is alleged the youth has been involved in sustained anti-social behaviour including vandalism, verbal abuse and malicious mischief.
As part of the interim ASBO a curfew has been placed on the youth, requiring him to remain in his home between the hours of 9pm and 7am each day unless prior written consent is obtained from a senior social worker.
The power to use ASBOs for 12 to 15-year-olds was introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004.
Over the past year several council departments have been working with the police and the Children’s Reporter to target a number of young people involved in persistent anti-social behaviour.
A council spokeswoman said that, for many of the youngsters, a combination of services from various agencies had helped to prevent them getting into trouble.
“In all cases, assessment of the child and their circumstances helps make the right decision for that child,” she said.
“Key services such as youth work, sports development, home school support, the CHOICE Project, voluntary groups, SACRO, social workers and schools all work closely with young people and their families to find what is causing the anti-social behaviour and then try to help divert these youngsters away from trouble and lead more fulfilling lives.”
In addition to the ASBOs, the council is also actively using the new Intensive Support and Monitoring Services Orders, which involved electronic tagging. So far, five young people in Dundee have had ISMS orders imposed on them.
“The council and partner agencies also work closely with the Children’s Reporter and Children’s Hearings, using the existing powers to place children on supervision, either at home or away from home, including the use of fostering, residential care/school or secure care,” the spokeswoman said.
Administration leader Jill Shimi said, “Dundee City Council will not hesitate to use these new powers where a young person is involved in repeated anti-social behaviour.
“The bottom line is that our communities need respite and the ASBO is another way of tackling the scourge of anti-social behaviour.” |
