ST HELENS is at the forefront of a scheme to cut teenage crime.

It is one of nine areas piloting new parenting orders and so far 15 of them have been made.

The order can be made by magistrates when a young person has been convicted of an offence. It makes parents more responsible for their child's behaviour but provides them with help and support in coping with the problem.

The orders made in St Helens have involved parents taking part in group-based sessions looking at managing difficult adolescent behaviour and developing parenting skills.

The Home Office has found the results of the pilot schemes, including St Helens, to be so encouraging that it is planning to extend the scheme nationally.

One parent involved in the scheme said: "I have enjoyed the course more than I expected. It has helped me to stay calmer in dealing with my children. I ask them to do things and give reasons why they should rather than shouting at them. I have started to communicate better with my daughter and she doesn't shout as much either."

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