The money, announced today (18 June) by children's minister Beverley Hughes, will give projects supported by the government's Parenting Fund more time to get long-term funding from local authorities. The transition cash will allow projects funded through the second round of the Parenting Fund to continue until March 2009.

The projects help parents with drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues and in reducing conflict. They also provide sports sessions and advice for teenage parents.

Initial funding for the second round of the Parenting Fund, run by the Family & Parenting Institute, was given in June 2006 and was set to last until June 2008.

Allan Watson, co-ordinator of the Parenting Fund second round at the Family & Parenting Institute, said: "Having this extra money means projects have a good chance of being funded right through to next March and they get another nine months to prepare and be ready for different funding opportunities."