Former chief whip Hilary Armstrong was charged by Tony Blair withdelivering "radically higher aspirations and outcomes" for children incare, last week. She will also attempt to reduce teenagepregnancies.
In her first public speech, Armstrong said a more open-minded andradical approach was needed. She flagged up better-performing models ofcare in Denmark and Germany and backed the use of boarding schools toaccommodate children in care.
Concerns had been raised that Armstrong's appointment could lead to carefor looked-after children falling between the Department for Educationand Skills (DfES) and the Cabinet Office. However, a spokeswoman for theCabinet Office stressed the DfES would remain responsible forpolicy.
Hilton Dawson, chief executive of Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa, and aformer Labour MP, said Armstrong was an important member of the Cabinetwho had the confidence of the Prime Minister.
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