Blitz on pest youngsters; CAMPAIGN: pounds 13m to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Byline: By Steve Johnson 

HUNDREDS of problem youngsters in the Midlands are to be helped back on track thanks to a new Government campaign.

Whitehall officials are intensifying their drive to tackle antisocial behaviour among young people by setting up the Intensive Intervention Project.

Sandwell, Walsall and Birmingham are three of 20 areas which will receive a share of pounds 13 million.

Children and Young People's Minister Beverley Hughes announced that the three areas would get up to pounds 650,000, spread over three years, to help "challenging young people" with behaviour problems.

A Government spokesman said evidence had shown that the intervention projects were effective in turning around the lives of young people and their families by offering tailored support to help them get back on track.

The projects will be set up in 20 areas across the country between now and 2011, with up to 3,000 young people expected to benefit.

Ms Hughes added: "These projects aim to help young people and families who often don't know where to go or who to turn to next to help them tackle the problem behaviour of their child.

"They are sometimes unable to get the support and help they need from services currently available locally. The focus of these projects is on prevention and non-negotiable support so we can intervene early and stop young people getting into a situation where their bad behaviour can spiral out of control - and some enforcement has to be used.

"Where enforcement is necessary, it will be used.

"That aspect of the campaign will be made clear from the outset."

Anne Weinstock, director of the Government's Youth Taskforce, said: "Sandwell and Walsall are two of the areas we are working with to tackle youth crime, using a triple track approach of enforcement, non-negotiable support and prevention."