Evaluation of Intensive Family Support Projects

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University have just completed a study examining the longer term outcomes associated with the provision of intensive support for families at risk of eviction as a result of anti-social behaviour. The study formed part of a three year evaluation involving over 256 families who had been referred to 6 Intensive Family Support Projects (IFSP) after their behaviour or that of their visitors had resulted in them being threatened with eviction and homelessness. The interim research report published in Oct 2006 (Anti-social Behaviour Intensive Family Support Projects: An evaluation of six pioneering projects (Housing Research Summary 230) found that in the short term Intensive Family Support Projects were a cost effective way to reduce problem behaviour, prevent family breakdown and avoid homelessness for the families involved. This final piece of work confirms that in the longer term families were able to sustain the progress they had made once they were living independently in the community. In seven out of ten families positive change had been sustained and family members enjoyed an increased sense of social inclusion and well being. A small minority of families (8/28) however, continued to experience considerable difficulties and for these families, their lives remained dominated by complaints about antisocial behaviour, managing ongoing support needs, homelessness, risk of eviction and/or family breakdown. The full report can be downloaded here.

For further information contact Judy Nixon on 0114 2254268 or Sadie Parr on 0114 2254525