TROUBLED toddlers across Oxfordshire are set to get more help as a Government scheme is expanding in the county.

The troubled family scheme will now include under-5s, as well as school-age children, and will try and improve people’s health.

It is part of a national initiative to identify families in need of support, hoping to tackle problems like crime, anti-social behaviour, poor school attendance and unemployment.

As reported by the Oxford Mail in May, Oxfordshire County Council has already helped 725 families. Because of its success it has now been chosen by the Government to expand the project.

The Government will provide funding for the council to begin working with more than 400 new families by March next year.

Cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley said: “This is a great opportunity to build on the results we have achieved so far and to be at the forefront of a project that is making a huge difference to the lives of individual families and their communities.

“The fact is that a relatively small number of families account for a hugely disproportionate amount of public resources as a result of problems that with a little help can be addressed successfully.

“With the sort of tough but supportive approach at the heart of the thriving families project, families are getting the help they need to turn themselves around.”