The projects are already reducing anti-social behaviour

He visited the Perth Families Project, which works with parents and children to improve their behaviour.

They are set tough targets by support workers, who can also make use of Asbos and parenting orders.

The new scheme is one of three across Scotland which were modelled on the successful Dundee Families Project.

The others are in Falkirk and South Lanarkshire, and share �2m in Scottish Government funding.

They bring together health, housing and social workers to provide intensive supervision and intervention.

Our work has helped to strengthen families, secure a better future for children and create more peaceful communities Andrew Girvan NCH Scotland

Speaking during his Perth visit, Mr Ewing said then schemes were already making a difference to communities.

He said: "I am pleased to officially open the Perth project and delighted that all three projects are now up and running.

"Even at this early stage there are signs of positive progress in all three areas with evidence of significant reduction in anti-social behaviour within the families involved."

The Dundee project was established 10 years ago by children's charity NCH Scotland and Dundee City Council.

It offers drug and alcohol counselling, parenting classes and lessons in cookery and household budgeting.

NCH Scotland's director of children's services said it had helped keep families together as well as having a positive impact on anti-social behaviour.

Andrew Girvan added: "Our work has helped to strengthen families, secure a better future for children and create more peaceful communities.

"It has also reduced the need for evictions and prevented children being taken into care, resulting in substantial financial savings for local authorities.