The use of family intervention projects to deal with anti-social behaviour: A preliminary study of keyworker perceptions

Abstract

Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) have received considerable political and media attention for their role in reducing anti-social behaviour within our most ‘troubled’ UK families. Although there has been some reference to FIPs within the academic literature, little has been concentrated on how they work in practice. In this study, we worked with two FIPs within Leicester City, focusing on keyworker’s perceptions of ‘successful intervention’. Keyworkers believe that the work they do enables families to take responsibility for their behaviour, while allowing them to learn new, more adaptive ways of coping with the stresses and strains of living in deprived circumstances. We analysed this within the context of ‘empowerment’ and ‘family resilience’. Although the current government has promised continued support for FIPs, we conclude that more research is needed to establish ‘what works’, for whom and under what circumstances. Although FIPs clearly do not work for all families, the consistent, long-term support provided by the FIP team can facilitate some families to make sustainable changes within their lives. It is clearly a welcome advance on enforcement-only approaches to tackling anti-social behaviour.