Proposed Family Intervention Project

Wirral Council’s Director of Regeneration, Alan Stennard, said: “Wirral’s proposed Family Intervention Project aims to tackle anti-social behaviour by working with families in a structured way that enables them to remain in their own homes.

“The project  can  offer families three different levels of support;  the first tier is an Outreach Support Service for families who are currently subject to or are likely to be subject to enforcement measures. This level of support involves contact with the family of approximately 10 hours per week.

“Families with an established pattern of anti-social behaviour, will receive between 15 to 20 hours of outreach support through the provision of a number of dispersed tenancies.

“The very small number of families who need intensive support and supervision, may be offered accommodation in a residential unit that will offer a structured home environment.  

“It should also be noted that there is a substantial body of empirical evidence that clearly demonstrates intervention of this nature has a positive impact on behaviour. In addition to research carried out at Sheffield Hallam University, there is a number of highly successful Family Intervention Projects throughout the country already up and running.

“The provision of outreach support and support through dispersed tenancies is currently being developed in partnership with NCH.   The development of a core residential unit is being investigated further.  These projects are cost-effective as  they target scarce resources in the areas where they are most needed.”

Ends

Press release issued: January 30 2007