THE Government’s troubled families tsar was the keynote speaker at a families conference in the region.

Louise Casey, director general of the Troubled Families Programme, spoke at a summit showcasing the Stronger Families Programme, a County Durham version of the national initiative, held at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City.

Supporters say the County Durham scheme has cut youth crime and anti-social behaviour and helped children who previously truanted or were excluded get back to school.

Rachel Hirst-Dean, Durham County Council’s Think Family services manager, said: “By identifying problems early it means all services work closely together and prevent a family’s needs escalating and requiring more intensive intervention.

“We are already seeing positive results and this conference was a great opportunity to detail all the good work that is being done.”

The conference was attended by around 250 delegates.