16 May 2007
Mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds will be given more support by a scheme unveiled today by the PM.
More regular visits from health workers will help break the cycle of social exclusion, deprivation and associated substance abuse or criminality.
It is hoped this in turn will offer young children a better start in life.
The idea is based on a successful US scheme which has reported lower levels of abuse, neglect and childhood injuries in targeted families.
Tony Blair launched the £7m early-intervention pilot scheme, initially aimed at 1000 families in 10 areas, during a breakfast meeting at No10.
The PM said some people had “multiple sets of problems and hugely challenging lives”.
“If we are not able to bring them into some form of structured framework or discipline then they end up in very difficult circumstances indeed.”
It wasn’t about stigmatizing people, he insisted, but giving them the best chance of making something of their lives.
At the meeting the PM met with family practitioners as well as Professor David Olds, who pioneered the scheme in North America.
The government also launched its latest policy review documents on the role of the state and families today.
The families paper sets out ways to improve the outcomes of family members, ensuring that all families are treated fairly, with particular attention on disadvantaged groups.
The role of the state report shows the way the state needs to work: promoting order and security, empowering citizens to act and getting the right balance between rights and responsibilities.
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