Schemes target 'families from hell'

Over 50 Government projects have been set up to help troublesome families who terrorise their neighbourhoods.

Six projects have already been successful across the country and another 53 Family Intervention Projects are being rolled out as part of the Home Office's £15 million scheme aimed at boosting the Government's "respect" agenda.

Teams currently deal with about 1,500 problem families a year across England.

Under the move, "neighbours from hell" will be placed in special units and forced to observe strict curfews. Meanwhile, difficult kids will be forced to attend school and some parents may be put through drug and alcohol treatment programmes.

Parents will also be monitored to ensure they are feeding children properly and putting them to bed in good time.

The Government's respect "tsar" Louise Casey has said the measures "are proven to turn families around".

She said: "These are families that in the past may have been written off by agencies as 'lost causes' - but now will be offered the right help and incentive to become decent members of their community and give their children the opportunity to grow up with a chance in life."

And NCH chief executive Clare Tickell said the scheme is making life better for everyone involved.

She said: 'It makes sense that if you help the families, you'll help the community.

"Getting to the root of the problem can change behaviour forever - not only giving children in these families better health, education and well being but improving the lives of the whole community."

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