It looks like forthcoming report from the IPPR (a left-leaning think tank that is very well-connected in Labour circles) could be an interesting read:

The Government’s flagship Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) are creating a culture that encourages children into crime, according to a think-tank.

The measures can become a “self-fulfilling prophecy” of offending and should not be applied to under-12s, the Institute for Public Policy Reform (ippr) warned…

A report due to be published by the think-tank next month warns of a burgeoning “Asbo culture” and urges that they should only be handed to children under 12 if accompanied by family or parenting orders. Anyone up to the age of 18 must be fully assessed by children’s services before being hit with an order, the duration of which should only be between six months and two years.

The study will also insist that there should be more support for families whose children are identified as at risk of turning to crime, and say all adults need to be made aware of their responsibility to set “norms of behaviour” for youngsters.

Ippr co-director Carey Oppenheim said: “The problem with ‘kids these days’ is the way adults are treating them. Britain is in danger of becoming a nation fearful of its young people: a nation of paedophobics. We need policy which reminds adults – parents and non-parents alike – that it is their responsibility to set norms of behaviour and to maintain them through positive and authoritative interaction with young people.” (Source: PA report)

The idea that ASBOs have their flaws is hardly news to Liberal Democrat ears, but it will be curious to see how those in the Labour Party who have attacked the Liberal Democrats for not slavishly supporting every last ABSO detail from Labour now have to say about the IPPR. Presumably these Labour MPs, councillors and members will now attack the IPPR for being soft on crime, on the side of criminals, out of touch with ordinary people and all round rather nasty, silly and stupid?