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Almost nine out of 10 “antisocial” families change their behaviour after receiving intensive support, according to a study published today.

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University found that complaints of antisocial behaviour ceased or dropped “dramatically” after families became involved in rehabilitation schemes.

The risk to communities either reduced or stopped completely in 92 per cent of cases following intervention.

The three-year study also found that intensive support schemes delivered value for money in the short and long term.

The study focused on 256 families referred to six schemes, five of them run by charity NCH, after their behaviour led to threats of eviction and homelessness.

More than half of the families had three or more children, while 80 per cent of adults had poor mental health or substance misuse problems.

The most common types of antisocial behaviour were youth nuisance, general neighbour conflicts and property damage.

The government plans to roll out family support projects in 50 local authorities by next year.

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Report on earlier Sheffield Hallam University study with preliminary findings from the research discussed above