Lib Dems: Scheme risks failure

The 'baby Asbos' proposed by today's family intervention projects expansion risk becoming a "badge of honour" for those they target, the Liberal Democrats fear.

Children, schools and families spokesperson David Laws said there was a "serious risk" the measures "simply won't work" and voiced doubts about the breadth of the scheme's coverage.

Only 1,000 children in 20 areas will receive the behavioural contracts, but Mr Laws pointed out "tens of thousands of children need both extra support and extra discipline".

"We need a much closer working relationship between all schools and local children's services, so that young people in every school who are at risk of going off the rails can get targeted help as early as possible," he said.