Crime fight to target babies in the womb

Mothers will be singled out only 16 weeks after conception if they are deemed at risk from drugs, criminality or social exclusion and then given special help for two years.

Tony Blair backed the scheme as part of his legacy of policy reviews by hosting a breakfast at No 10 for a group of expectant mothers whose unborn babies were considered to be in danger from crime.

The Government this month launched a £7.5 million trial of the scheme, using nurses and health visitors to make weekly visits to families involved.

The visits start when mothers are between 16 and 28 weeks pregnant and end when the child turns two.

There are trials in 10 areas, including Tower Hamlets and Southwark.

Based on an American system, the aim is to break the "cycle" of disadvantaged families by identifying those most in need of support at the earliest possible stage.

The US version, called the Nurse-Family Partnership, is said to have saved four times as much money as its cost to run because it helped families who would otherwise become a bigger burden on the state.

Mothers are taught about diet, exercise and relationships, as well as parenting skills.

Project director Kate Billingham denied that it was unfair to single out babies.