Commentary on Sections Part 3: Parental Responsibilities Section 18: Parenting Orders under the 1998 Act
52.This section amends the existing power to make parenting orders contained in section 8 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 by removing the restriction that guidance and counselling sessions cannot be provided more than once in any week. The term “sessions” is replaced by the term “programme”. The new section also inserts a new power to allow a programme to consist of or to include a residential course provided the court is satisfied that this is likely to be more effective than a non-residential course and that any interference with family life is proportionate.