THE LIVES of more than 800 troubled families in Worcestershire have been ‘turned around’, new figures have revealed.
Worcestershire County Council’s Strong Families programme has received praise for helping some of the county’s most vulnerable families.
The Government-funded scheme was launched in 2012 and at the end of its first phase, figures show the circumstances of 821 families needing intensive support had been improved.
This has been achieved by getting them out of work benefits, cutting down on anti-social behaviour or improving school attendance.
Louise Casey, director general of the Government’s Troubled Families programme, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Worcestershire team has now turned around the lives of so many troubled families in the county.
“That’s 821 families where kids are back in school and youth crime and anti-social behaviour has been cut, and in 33 of these homes an adult has moved off benefits and into work.
“The council and key workers deserve enormous credit but most of all I want to congratulate the families themselves who have had the courage to change and give their children a better chance in life.”
The second phase, entitled the ‘extended programme’, is now underway which offers more support to families.
Coun John Campion, cabinet member for children and families, added: “Providing early intervention is a high priority for us to ensure family problems don’t escalate to need specialist services such as social care.
“This result is great news for our Stronger Families programme and in ensuring Worcestershire families stay together and achieve their full potential.”
