Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by John Heppell (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Family Intervention Projects

Question: Does the Minister agree that, although the programmes are often portrayed as extensions of the nanny state, they are actually the exact opposite? By using a carrot-and-stick approach, we are helping people to take charge of, and responsibility for, their own lives.

Answer: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am delighted that some of the pioneering work includes a family intervention partnership project in his own Nottingham constituency. Families that have probably been written off by many agencies are given intensive and tailored support to bring about change. Those projects have been remarkably successful, and that is why, through the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department of Health, we are rolling out similar programmes across the country.

Secondary information