Commentary on Sections Part 1: Provisions for Combatting Crime and Disorder. Local child curfew schemes
109.The local child curfew scheme was introduced by section 14 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This allows a local authority (after confirmation by the Secretary of State) to ban children under 10 from being in a particular public place during specified hours, (which must fall in the period 9pm and 6am) otherwise than under the control of a parent or responsible adult.
110.Any child found in breach of a curfew may be returned home, or to a place of safety if there are serious concerns about the child’s safety in the family home. The local authority is required to investigate the circumstances of any breach.
111.The Act amends the legislation to give greater flexibility in the age range of the children who might be banned from various public places and also to allow the police to initiate schemes. The local authority will still retain power to initiate schemes if it so wishes.