The parenting order initiative is one of a range of new initiatives under the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998. The Youth Justice Board commissioned a study, Study of Adolescence Report, in 1999 to identify key criteria for what would constitute an effective parenting intervention, the types of parenting programs most likely to contribute to a reduction in levels of offending among young people, the diverse nature of the families in which children and young people become engaged in criminal behavior, and the recognition that parents have a wide range of needs. The article summarizes the conclusions of the report, outlining major research findings, and pointing out areas where further work is needed. The parenting order is the subject of debate in parenting and criminal justice circles. While it is still to early to be clear about the impact of the parenting order, there is little doubt that its introduction has led to the development of many new projects aimed at supporting parents of adolescent offenders. References