Anti-social success

A unique project working with anti-social
tenants has been a resounding success and should be replicated by
authorities across the UK, says new research.

The Dundee Families Project, set up in 1997 by
NCH Scotland and Dundee Council, works with families who have been
evicted because of anti-social behaviour. Three families at a time
live in an adapted residential centre providing 24-hour support and
others are supported in their own homes. While the project faced
opposition from local people, housing experts and some child care
academics when first proposed, the research found that the scheme
is one other local authorities “may well wish to copy”.

Jill Shimi, Dundee Council’s convenor of
housing, said: “The success of the project has shown that, by
providing the necessary support, people can alter their anti-social
behaviour.”