‘Troubled Families’ Programme in England: ‘wicked problems’ and policy-based evidence

Abstract

This article outlines and critiques a key area of contemporary social policy in England: the Troubled Families Programme, launched in 2011. This is a national programme which aims to ‘turn around’ the lives of the 120,000 most troubled families in England by 2015. Troubled families are characterised as those who ‘have’ problems and ‘cause’ problems to those around them. Troubled Families can be viewed as a ‘wicked problem’ in the sense that the issues surrounding these families tend to be reconceptualised regularly and re-solved differently, depending on changes in government. The article critically reviews the evidence base for the overall approach of the programme and the way the scale and nature of the issue is understood. It debates whether this is a case of evidence-based policy or policy-based evidence. Early indications are that behavioural change is likely to be achieved in some families (increased school attendance, reductions in anti-social behaviour and crime), but that addressing worklessness (a key focus of the programme) presents the biggest challenge. An even bigger challenge is helping families to find work that will move them out of poverty. The article draws on ongoing research in two contrasting local authorities implementing the programme.

Keywords:

• troubled families
• wicked problems
• evidence-based policy
• policy-based evidence

Acknowledgements

The research that informs this article comes in part from research funded by two local authorities who prefer to remain anonymous. Thanks to them, we have had very privileged access to an area of policy and practise as it has been implemented.

Notes on contributors

Carol Hayden is Professor in Applied Social Research in Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth. Most of her research has focussed on children and families in trouble.

Craig Jenkins is a Research Associate in Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth and has been involved in several externally funded research projects focussed on children and families in trouble, as well as other areas of research in criminology.