News

ADCS president: Government needs cross-departmental plan for children

2 mins read Social Care
The government must come up with a “coherent plan for children” across all departments with responsibility for services affecting young people, the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has said.
Andy Smith: 'We need each government department to be championing children'. Picture: ADCS
Andy Smith: 'We need each government department to be championing children'. Picture: ADCS

“There needs to be real clarity from each of the government departments around how they prioritise and focus on children, so it becomes much clearer and much more joined up,” said Andy Smith, director of children and adult services at Derby City Council.

In an interview with CYP Now, Smith suggested that while a call by major children’s charities for government to create a cabinet minister for children could lead to positive outcomes, “we need each government department to be championing children”.

“The risk if it's all invested in one person is that children’s issues are seen to be that person's responsibility rather than each government department taking responsibility for how they coordinate and identify their priorities and their ambition for ​children,” he added.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)

Pause Practitioner - Public Health

Hackney, London (Greater)