Government calls for tough family intervention to prevent youth crime

Out-of-control families will be challenged by local authorities to prevent their children from getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

Bristol is one of the Youth Crime Action Plan areas. Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls and Home Secretary Alan Johnson are calling on the county as well as other local authorities to crack down on problem families by expanding the Family Intervention Projects (FIPs).

In the last year, FIPs have challenged more than 2,300 families to help them improve their behaviour.

The Department of Health will also be funding dedicated health workers alongside every FIP in the country over the next two years.

The Government is also setting out the future plans for turning around Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) and setting targets where there are serious concerns and failings.

YOTs identify and work with young people who are one step away from crime and court appearances.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “Tackling youth crime is a key priority for this Government. We have made significant progress. The latest figures show a drop of 10 per cent in the number of young people entering the justice system and that frequency of re-offending has fallen by over 23 per cent.

“Youth Offending Teams play a crucial part in helping youngsters turn away from a life of crime. That is why I am determined to step in where YOTs are failing our young people. While many YOTs undoubtedly do a very effective job, we must be able to address areas where problems arise.

“By directing local authorities to revamp YOTs, imposing targets for improvement, and even sending in a team of youth justice experts to help improve practice, I believe that we can turn them around.

“The Youth Crime Action Plan has greatly strengthened our work. We must build on what we have achieved to increase the confidence of communities, families and young people.”