Family intervention projects cut antisocial behaviour

An independent evaluation into the pilot projects found a raft of positive outcomes among the families with a track record of antisocial behaviour problems being targeted.
 
Among the 699 families that had completed the project, two-thirds were no longer involved in antisocial behaviour and the number of families facing eviction because of their behaviour had reduced from 47 per cent to 15 per cent.

Truancy, exclusion and bad behaviour reports reduced from 56 per cent to 25 per cent of those that had completed the project. Child protection concerns among this group fell by 23 per cent to 13 per cent.
 
Reductions were also seen in drug and alcohol problems and reports of domestic abuse.
 
To coincide with the publication of the evaluation the government has released bidding guidance for housing associations and children’s services to bid to run an expansion of the projects.
 
Earlier this month, the government announced its £15m Challenge Fund, which includes £7.5m from housing providers and the same amount from government to extend existing FIPs and run new projects.
 
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: "FIPs are a lifeline that prevent families spiralling out of control. The evidence shows that intervening early with the most challenging and vulnerable families in this country works. Without this type of very tough and consistent intervention, many of these families would face losing their homes, criminal convictions or having their children taken into care."

Clare Tickell, Action for Children chief executive, said: "We are delighted that Government is investing extra funding into Family Intervention Projects in recognition that this model works. However, it's crucial that  services are  rolled out  in a way that is true to its original form and builds on best practice. Family Intervention is most effective when all agencies work together at a local level - this is key to providing the best possible support to the UK's most vulnerable families."