ASB ActionNet Awards 2010: Exemplary Casework in Tackling Anti-Social Behavior

1. ASBActionNet Awards 2010 • For outstanding examples of casework in tackling ASB • 59 entries; 17 shortlisted • Votes from practitioners (176) and an expert panel • Caroline Hunter, York University • Judy Nixon, Sheffield Hallam University • Yvonne Davies, Audit Commission • Lee Dunn, Sedgefield Borough Homes • Andy Bailey, South Tyneside MBC • Alan Kelly, Somer Housing Group • David Askwith, Hillingdon Homes • Paul Dunn, Metropolitan Police Service

2. ASBActionNet Awards Runners-up

3. Sandwell Homes Ltd Case: Single mother with eight children, including four teenagers with complex underlying problems, who were engaging in ASB and criminal activity. Judges’ comments: “My favourite entry due to its complexity and difficulty in engaging with the family concerned. There was obviously a real determination and enthusiasm from the individuals involved to solve the issues and to involve the community throughout.”

4. Melin Homes Case: Thanks to the adoption of an innovative, multi-agency approach to tackling Anti-social behaviour a problem community has been transformed in less than 12 months into an area where residents enjoy living Judges’ comments: “Although the scenario is fairly common with one particular family causing so much concern, the agencies involved in this case were quick to realise that the area had a negative profile haunted by fear and deprivation and tackling this problem successfully would have long term benefits for those who either lived or worked in the area.” “V Good demonstration of multi-agency work and ‘excellent neighbourhood’ activities covering all bases.”

5. Cardinal Hume Centre Case: In order to challenge and reduce noise nuisance, harassment and other anti-social behaviour emanating from hostel residents and their visitors, intensive partnership working by 2 voluntary sector organisations, in conjunction with the local authority, police and neighbourhood groups. Judges’ comments: "Shows how specialist hostels which may have particular issues of asb because of their client group can be incorporated into the local community.” “The case example highlights the strategic importance of early intervention and prevention with clear lessons for future developments. Excellent reflective case work skills are evident.”

6. Bromsgrove District Housing Trust Case: An elderly lady unable to sleep due to noise nuisance; her upstairs neighbour with Bi-polar disorder unable to sleep or settle into his home - two victims? Judges’ comments: “This could have taken a very unfortunate (and expensive) turn if the organisation had not done some appropriate ‘digging’ to establish the reasons for the perpetrator’s behaviour.” “Recognises that alleged perpetrators have intensive support needs, and shows how building a better relationship between neighbours is better than evicting."

7. ASBActionNet Awards 2010 Winner

8. Waverley Borough Council Case: Protecting a vulnerable adult from being both a victim and perpetrator of anti-social behaviour Judges comments: “Good use of support of perpetrators and to support tenant to amend behaviour - took much perseverance by officers and a multi-agency approach.” “Shows a real recognition of how alleged perpetrators can also be a victim, and that responding to complaints must be nuanced." “This is a real story of courage and success that the case workers should be proud of.”