The project provides targeted assistance to children whose challenging behavior indicates the possibility of later offending. The project aims to reduce the number of school exclusions and to promote a cohesive local authority response. Home-school support workers are bringing about a reduction in permanent and fixed-term school exclusions and truancy. Through pupil casework and crisis management addressing challenging behavior, support workers are alleviating teacher stress and saving time for senior management and pastoral staff. Home-school communications are improving with the majority of parents of supported pupils; many parents cite a range of benefits deriving from the project's support. In addressing the needs of families, support workers are identifying gaps in provision offered by external agencies, in particular Social Services and Mental Health Services. Figure, table, note