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The Troubled Families Programme and the Problems of Success

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 May 2017

James Hoggett  and
Elizabeth Frost
James Hoggett
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health and Social Science, University of the West of England, Bristol E-mail: [email protected]
Elizabeth Frost
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health and Social Science, University of the West of England, Bristol E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The Troubled Families Programme (TFP) is the latest example of a tradition of family intervention projects (FIPs) for which the evidence basis for success is ambiguous. However, research does suggest that features of such projects – for example, time and flexibility of FIP workers, afforded by relatively small caseloads – offer some benefits for service users. This article draws on an evaluation of a FIP delivered by a Unitary Authority as part of the wider TFP to consider such features and found similar benefits. The article frames the research in terms of the expansion of the TFP and the implications this may have for its practical successes. It concludes by underscoring that by extending the programme whilst reducing its funding the most recent round of the TFP threatens precisely the features previously identified as most advantageous.

Keywords

Troubled families programmefamily interventiontimeflexibilitycaseloads
Type
Articles
Information
Social Policy and Society , Volume 17 , Issue 4 , October 2018 , pp. 523 - 534
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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