Mediation
Resolves disputes by using independent mediators to listen to the parties in dispute and arrive at mutually agreed solutions to the problem. It requires the commitment of all parties to work. It is not considered to be appropriate if one of the participants is only concerned with assigning blame or is being unreasonable.
Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
This type of contract is designed to identify aspects of behaviour that are not acceptable and requires the commitment of the perpetrator of anti-social behaviour not to re-offend. Perpetrators are warned that anti-social activities will not be tolerated and if continued, could lead to legal action taken against them. The contract is a voluntary written agreement and specifies a list of anti-social acts which the person has been involved in and which they agree not to continue. This type of contract can be used for anyone aged 10 years and above. It does not involve attendance at Court and provides a quick and flexible response to serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.
Injunction
A Court order that forbids a person from specific acts, for instance causing nuisance or harassment. In serious cases it can carry the power of arrest and the terms can include excluding a person from a property or area. If breached it is a criminal offence and may result in a fine or imprisonment.
Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
A Court order that forbids a person from specific anti-social acts. Can be made against anyone aged 10 years and above, but generally used against children and youths involved in serious and persistent anti-social behaviour. If breached it is a criminal offence and could lead to imprisonment. Where appropriate, the Council will consider applying for an ASBO at the same time as a Possession Order is sought.
Possession Order
A Court order that may lead to the eviction of a tenant if it is shown that they are guilty of anti-social behaviour. The Court may suspend the Possession Order. This means that the tenant will not be evicted. For example, if they comply with the terms of the tenancy and do not carry out anti-social acts.