This insight is part of a series focusing on the new anti-social behaviour powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026. Navigate to the other insights in this series here: Closure Orders, Respect Orders.

In the third insight of our series exploring the additional anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers coming into effect for social housing providers, our Housing Management experts consider Youth Injunctions.

Under the existing framework, civil injunctions (ASBIs) can be obtained against individuals aged 10 and over. From 26 October 2026, Youth Injunctions will become a separate remedy from those available to tackle ASB committed by adults.

This insight explains what a Youth Injunction is, the legal tests that must be met, and some of the practical elements social landlords should consider when making an application.

What is a Youth Injunction?

A Youth Injunction is a civil court order designed to prevent children and young people aged between 10 and 17 from engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Although the terminology is changing, Youth Injunctions and the legal threshold for obtaining them will largely remain the same as under the existing legal framework for civil injunctions under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the 2014 Act).

An application may be made where the court is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that:

• the young person has engaged, or threatens to engage, in anti-social behaviour; and
• it is just and convenient to grant the injunction to prevent further anti-social behaviour.

For Youth Injunctions, ASB is defined as:

• conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person, or
• conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
• conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance.

Youth Injunctions will therefore remain a potentially valuable remedy for addressing behaviour such as intimidation of residents, persistent harassment, threatening behaviour and serious nuisance within housing estates or communal areas.

Applications must be made to the youth court

Applications must be made to the youth court and should be accompanied by witness statements detailing the incidents of anti-social behaviour and the impact of this behaviour on the victims.

The youth court’s involvement also places particular emphasis on the young person’s circumstances, welfare and rehabilitation.

The court has the power to grant a Youth Injunction on a without-notice basis in appropriate circumstances.

Risk assessment and consultation

Agencies must carry out a risk assessment and consult with relevant agencies before making an application for a Youth Injunction.

Young people involved in ASB may have complex needs, including safeguarding concerns, family difficulties, educational challenges or vulnerabilities requiring additional support.

Social landlords should therefore continue to work closely with local authorities, youth offending teams or youth justice services, the police, children’s services and other relevant agencies.

Early intervention, diversionary activities, acceptable behaviour agreements and family support may help to prevent behaviour escalating to the point where court proceedings are necessary.

Where an injunction is required, partnership working can also help ensure that any positive requirements are realistic and appropriately supervised to address any underlying causes of the ASB.

Terms of the order

Under the new provisions, a Youth Injunction must specify the period for which it will remain in force, and that period cannot exceed 12 months. This provides a clear statutory limit and means landlords need to consider carefully what restrictions are necessary and proportionate during that period.

An injunction might, for example, prohibit a young person from intimidating neighbours, entering particular communal areas or associating with specified individuals where those restrictions are justified. Although an injunction may restrict access to certain locations, those restrictions must not prevent the young person from living at their normal residence.

The Injunction may also include positive requirements aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the behaviour, such as participation in appropriate support or intervention programmes. Positive requirements will need a supervisor.

Where the ASB includes acts of or threats of violence, or there is a risk of harm to others, the court may attach a power of arrest to specific terms of the Injunction (except terms requiring the Respondent to participate in a particular activity).

As far as practicable, restrictions and requirements should not interfere with the young person’s education or employment.

These safeguards make it particularly important to tailor proposed injunction terms carefully to the circumstances of each case.

What happens if a Youth Injunction is breached?

Breaching a Youth Injunction remains a civil matter rather than a criminal offence and will continue to be dealt with through civil enforcement proceedings.

However, non-compliance can have serious consequences. Where a breach is established, the youth court may impose civil sanctions, including a supervision order, curfew or activity requirement or, for young people aged 14 to 17, a civil detention order of up to three months.

Evidence of breaches should be properly documented as the applicant will be required to prove the breach to the criminal standard of proof. Social landlords should also work closely with relevant agencies when determining the most appropriate response.

How Capsticks can help

Our specialist housing and ASB lawyers in Capsticks’ industry-leading Housing Management team can help social landlords prepare for these changes, including reviewing policies and procedures and advising on whether a Youth Injunction is suitable in an individual case.

The team can also assist with preparing and presenting a Youth Injunction application, including the consultation process and risk assessment. If you have any questions about the issues covered in this insight, please contact Partner Sarah Christy or Principal Associate Catherine Craven.