PARENTS are to be given a helping hand to steer their children away from crime.
A project backed by Kirklees Council will see extra support made available to help parents deal with the behaviour of their teenagers confidently, particularly if they are becoming involved in crime or other anti-social behaviour.
The move was welcomed by Clr Andrew Marchington, chairman of the council's Neighbourhood Renewal decision-making panel.
He said: "Many parents are confronted with a range of challenges on a daily basis. Dealing with them can be a daunting prospect.
"This project aims to help equip parents with the knowledge and understanding to be able to deal with their children's behaviour confidently."
Parents will be contacted if their children show signs of difficult behaviour - including truancy - at school or if they become involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Support will then be offered to parents to help them to deal with the situation and to find solutions to the problems they face.
Anne Douglas, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund manager, said: "Evidence shows that the family and home environment are crucial in shaping a young person's life."
"Nobody has a greater influence on children's lives than parents. We want to offer them support to use that influence in the most effective and positive way.
"This project aims to get parental involvement in dealing with problematic behaviour at an early stage.
"It also aims to help parents through what can be a worrying and demanding period in their lives."
The project is due to start in May.
