Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (or Acceptable Behaviour Agreement) is a written agreement between a person who has been involved in antisocial behaviour and one or more agencies whose role it is to prevent further antisocial behaviour i.e. a Housing Association, Local Authority, Police or School etc.

They are generally used for young people but can also be used for adults, and may be used with parents in relation to the behaviour of their children.

Please scroll down for more info on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts in the Act

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are not included in the Act. They are voluntary measures but failure to comply may result in legal action being taken.

ASB doc icon Read the Antisocial Behaviour Act

Key Documents and Links on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

ASB doc icon An Example of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (PDF, 42.3Kb)

Non-statutory Guidance on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (PDF, 468Kb)

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are also referred to in the following statutory guidance publications:

ASB doc icon Statutory Guidance on Antisocial Behaviour Orders (PDF, 334Kb)

ASB doc icon Statutory Guidance on Parenting Orders (PDF, 334Kb)

FAQs about Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

Q. Do you have some information on acceptable behaviour agreements/contracts?

Q. We want to agree an ABC with a 16 year-old, do we need the signature of a parent or guardian?

You'll find answers to your questions about Acceptable Behaviour Contracts on the FAQ's page.

Need more advice or guidance on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts? Call the Practitioners Advice Line:

advice line 2

"We would look to using the ABC as an early deterrent which if broken could be used to justify ASBO proceedings… also ABCs are a cost effective way to tackle antisocial behaviour because they are free."
– Housing Trust Manager

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts