Scheme saves children from crime

A new early warning scheme is planned in Wiltshire to help vulnerable children avoid turning to crime.

Families in Focus provides advice and support to children and parents concerned that their children are at risk of breaking the law.

The scheme is managed by Wiltshire Youth Offending Service and goes live in April.

The aim is to provide a single point of contact for parents, teachers, police officers and social workers.

Project manager David Angelinetta said: "Families in Focus is about providing one well co-ordinated source of help rather than different agencies working with families in a piecemeal fashion.

"It aims to work with children before they develop a criminal record."