Antisocial behaviour plans announced by Blair

At least 50 new projects working with antisocial families are to be set up by the end of the year, Tony Blair said today, outlining the government’s new respect action plan.

“There are a small number of families who are out of control and in crisis. It is those families whose children are roaming the streets and disrupting the classrooms. We have to help those parents and their children,” said the prime minister.

The approach will be based on successful projects such as one in Dundee, added Blair. The Dundee families project, run by children’s charity NCH, offers intensive support and includes outreach, a residential centre and aftercare.

Proposals announced by Blair include a national parenting academy to train professionals, including social workers and youth justice staff . The idea is to “ensure they have the skills necessary to deliver high quality parenting support and receive the ongoing supervision needed to maintain quality,” states the government’s action plan. The academy will be “steered” by an expert panel.

Expansion of the parenting order scheme and proposals to temporarily evict antisocial families were also announced today.

Blair said the action plan would “deter bad behaviour and invest in good behaviour”. He announced £28 million of new funding for the measures outlined.