About this study
Results from our evaluation of Youth Crime Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) will be available in June 2010.
Youth Crime FIPs explained
These FIPs have been set up to provide intensive support to families whose problems put children and young people at risk of committing crime.
The Government is keen for local authorities to accelerate the use of these Family Intervention Projects and funding has been made available to every council in England.
Existing research tells us that children from families with multiple problems are more likely to commit crime. Research also suggests that early intervention and working with the whole family in an assertive and persistent manner may help to prevent youth crime.
You can read about the other types of Family Intervention Projects we are evaluating here.
Potential policy impact
These Family Intervention Projects are part of the Government’s Youth Crime Action Plan, which focuses on tough law enforcement, non-negotiable support and early intervention. Our research into the outcomes for families who work with a Family Intervention Project is designed to inform the development of the Youth Crime Action Plan and the future scope of Family Intervention Projects generally.
Method
We are asking key workers to enter information about families into a secure online information system. Information is recorded:
- when a family is referred to a project,
- when the project assesses the family and puts together a support plan for them,
- every time the family's progress is reviewed by the project,
- and once the family completes the project intervention.