Antisocial behaviour and conduct disorders in children and young people: recognition and management

Preventing conduct disorders

Recognising children who might go on to develop a conduct disorder at an early age can help to prevent more serious problems, such as antisocial personality disorder, later on. If a health or social care professional or teacher thinks that a school has a large proportion of children (aged between 3 and 7) who could develop a conduct disorder, psychological help in the classroom should be offered. This can help children to be aware of their own and others' emotions, control their reactions and behaviour, and improve their relationships with others.

Help and support for a conduct disorder and your involvement

If your child is thought to be at high risk of, or has, a conduct disorder and is aged between 3 and 11, you should be offered a group parent training programme. The programme should consist of 10 to 16 meetings, each lasting from 1.5 to 2 hours, and include 10 to 12 parents.

Parent training programmes can help parents make the most of their parenting skills so that they can help improve their child's behaviour. The programmes are run by specially trained health or social care professionals. They cover communication skills, problem-solving techniques and how to encourage positive behaviour in children. It is best if both parents, foster carers or guardians attend the programme if this is possible and in the best interests of the child or young person. The health and social care professinals should talk to you about any concerns you have about the programme and explain why it has been offered and how it can help.

If you are not able to join a group, you should be offered an individual parent training programme. It should consist of between 8 and 10 meetings between you and the health or social care professional, each lasting 1 to 1.5 hours.

If you are a foster carer or guardian of a child aged between 3 and 11 with a conduct disorder, you should be offered training programmes similar to those offered to parents.

If you are a parent, foster carer or guardian of a child aged between 3 and 11 who is thought to be at high risk of or has a conduct disorder and who has severe and complicated problems, you should be offered an individual training programme for parents and children. This programme should consist of up to 10 meetings between you, your child and a health or social care professional, each lasting 1 hour.

If your child is aged between 11 and 17 they may be offered a type of psychological therapy that focuses on the family but also includes other people who are involved in your child's life. This type of treatment should be provided by a specially trained professional called a case manager. Your case manager should visit 3 or 4 times a week for 3 to 5 months.

Your needs

You may need help and support yourself. Your health and social care professionals should give you information about local family and carer support groups and other voluntary organisations, and help you to contact them. They should offer you support, including during any emergencies, and advice on practical matters such as childcare, housing and finances.