This thesis set out to explore the relationship between early intervention programmes and the possible reduction of offending/antisocial behaviour. Although previous research demonstrates the effectiveness of early intervention as a means of reducing offending/antisocial behaviour, it does not draw attention to the difficulties of implementing programmes and gaining and sustaining families' involvement. A process evaluation was carried out of a pre and postnatal support group initiative implemented by a Sure Start team in the North West of England. The research found that there were significant problems with the implementation of this initiative. Some of the main problems appeared to be a lack of a blueprint for how practitioners should design and implement the initiative, problems of inter-agency working and ineffective community consultation. The research also draws attention to the difficulties of gaining and sustaining family participation in this type of initiative. The reasons for these difficulties are explored and recommendations made for future initiatives. Practitioners' experience of working within the Sure Start team is also explored. Results indicated that teething problems experienced in the first twelve months of implementation could have had a detrimental effect on the services that were offered to families. The role of early intervention programmes in an overall strategy of crime reduction is also considered.