With effect from 1 July 2020, the Youth Court can make a "Family Guidance Order" (FGO), to guide families in their parenting, with community support.

The parents and their child or young person (CYP) aged below 16 years are first required to attend a family programme by a social service agency, before they may file for an FGO application. The intent is for the family to improve their relationship and support the CYP in his/her development. If necessary, after the programme, the Youth Court may make an FGO to place the CYP under statutory supervision at home or admit CYPs who display very high-risk behaviours into a residential facility. In 2020, one FGO was made by the Court.

Prior to 1 July 2020, the Youth Court could make “Beyond Parental Control” orders to help parents who are unable to manage their CYPs with difficult behaviours. The BPC regime was replaced with FGO through amendments to the Children and Young Persons Act, to emphasise the role and responsibility of the family, rather than the behaviour of the child.

Number of Applications for Beyond Parental Control Orders, by Year and Gender

Number of Applications for Beyond Parental Control Orders, by Year and Age at Point of the Court Order

Download: Family-Guidance-Order-Statistics.xlsx

Source: Ministry of Social and Family Development 

Statistics were last updated on 10 May 2021