Tough measures to stop children falling into a life of crime and antisocial behaviour are not being imposed in Oxfordshire because they do not work, youth workers claim.

Prime Minister Tony Blair last week announced plans to expand the reach of parenting orders, intended to tackle youngsters who commit a crime or breach Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

New government figures reveal magistrates in Oxfordshire have issued only 12 orders since they were introduced five years ago, compared to more than 300 in other parts of the country.

Parenting orders can restrict where a child goes, who they spend time with and what time they are out of the house, and parents can be fined or jailed if they breach the order.

Since 2001, Oxfordshire County Council's education chiefs and youth offending team were solely responsible for handing out orders.

Now under Government plans that responsibility is extended to Oxford City Council's housing officers and antisocial behaviour groups including the Crime and Nuisance Action Team (Canact).

David Oliver, of the county council's youth offending team, said: "We find the orders don't tend to work particularly well because from the parent's point of view they don't understand why they should receive an order as a result of their child's behaviour.

"This is particularly true when there has been a breakdown between the child and the parent; it doesn't help the relationship and we prefer to engage them on a voluntary basis.

"We always ask whether an order would be of benefit to the parents. A lot of parents referred to us are not problem parents and we are able to engage them voluntarily."

The youth offending team runs the STOP Project and holds 12-week parenting courses for parents whose children are subject to ASBOs or Child Safety Orders.

The orders are part of the Prime Minister's 'respect agenda' aimed at stamping out antisocial behaviour and violent crime.

Steve Kilsby, of Canact said: "Parenting orders can be used as a very effective support mechanism for parents who may have problems in finding correct ways of dealing with children's antisocial behaviour.

"In principle, existing parenting orders have potential and we could use them in the future. We won't look at parenting orders as a means of punishment, but a way of helping with responsibilities. We all have to make sure parents are supported."

Canact will be using a family support worker to look at discipline in the family, provide parents with help and look at links with schools.