Youth nuisance is a common form of anti-social behaviour

Figures suggested 85% of families' behaviour improved enough so that their tenancy was no longer at risk by the end of these programmes.

Savings of up to �213,420 for one family were achieved by the schemes, independent analysis found.

Six such projects were assessed in a government-commissioned study.

Ultimately these programmes can stop the children of problem families today becoming the parents of problem families tomorrow Clare Tickell, NCH Chief Executive

Children's charity NCH runs five of the six schemes which were examined in the two-year study.

The study found the three most common types of anti-social behaviour associated with families were youth nuisance (70%), conflicts and disputes with neighbours (54%) and property damage (43%).

It also discovered these families were affected by such factors as mental illness and violent relationships.

The government wants to roll out family support projects to 50 local authorities by 2007.

'Win-win'

Louise Casey, the government's Co-ordinator for the Respect Campaign, added: "The behaviour of a few families can cause persistent suffering for the community around them."

She said the research showed these programmes provided a "win-win" solution for these families.

Meanwhile, Clare Tickell, NCH chief executive, said: "Ultimately these programmes can stop the children of problem families today becoming the parents of problem families tomorrow."

The findings in the report, commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government, are based on 256 families who worked with the projects between 2003-05. The research team was based at Sheffield Hallam University.