Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

Abstract

This dissertation is an evaluative research study of supportive intervention tools for tackling anti-social behaviour implemented by a large housing association, since the Home Office Respect Agenda Action Plan was launched in 2006. The dissertation set out to explore the use and evaluate the effectiveness of supportive interventions as compared to enforcement interventions, and especially where people with mental health problems are involved

The phenomenological theoretical underpinning of the research is informed by the philosophy of reaching far beyond the facts to identify the meaning and understanding of social phenomena as the people involved in it perceive experience and interpret it.The research used a mixed method approach. It was based on a quantitative data gathered from the trust’s ASB officers, Tenancy Sutainment support Coordinators, and case studies from the ASB Support Coordinator. The qualitative aspect was based on an in-depth overview of the quantitative data by the trust’s ASB consultant.

Three key areas emerged as the principal findings of the research; first, it established that supportive intervention tools were effective at tackling ASB, especially on persons with mental health problems who comprised more than half of the reported cases. Secondly, supportive interventions work better when implemented alongside enforcement tools such as a warning letter and/or an undertaking such as an acceptable behaviour contract. And thirdly, Noise Nuisance is the most frequently reported ASB issue and more than half of the cases are caused by people with mental health problems.

In conclusion, this dissertation argues that supportive interventions for tackling ASB are effective at enabling and reassuring the victim while also helping the perpetrator to realise the impact of their behaviour on others, with the aim of helping them to change. They however, are more effective when implemented alongside enforcement interventions, especially on persons with mental health problems. The research calls for further study on the impact of ASB interventions on people with mental health problems.