15.12.11
Troubled families plan announced
Prime Minister David Cameron is set to announce a £448m plan to identify and help problem families, with the aim to improve 120,000 families’ lives by 2015.
A network hired by councils and reporting to the head of the Troubled Families Team will be responsible for ensuring appropriate action is taken and liaise with national officials and local agencies.
These families are facing multiple challenges; addiction, crime, poor health and unemployment. By the Government’s measure, families must fit five out of seven criteria based on social, economic and health problems to meet the definition of ‘troubled’.
Cameron is expected to say: “When the front door opens and the worker goes in, they will see the family as a whole and get a plan of action together, agreed with the family.
“This will often be basic, practical things that are the building blocks of an orderly home and a responsible life. These things do not always cost a lot but they make all the difference.
“We need to provide leadership at the top, action in local authorities and results on the ground.”
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