Fewer families than anticipated participate in On Track services

A government scheme aimed at children and families at risk of offending and antisocial behaviour has achieved “lower than expected” levels of participation, a government-backed study has found.

Interim findings from a national evaluation of On Track, which was set up in 24 deprived areas across England and Wales in 1999, showed that just 13 per cent of parents or their children in the areas had used an On Track service from 2003 to 2004.

Families whose main or sole languages were not English or Welsh were also less likely to use On Track services, which include youth services and therapeutic support.

The scheme is part of the government’s £960 million Children’s Fund programme.

From www.dfes.gov.uk/research/