Opinion: Politicians have woken up to needs of young

John Denham, then minister for youth, was seeking to renew the momentum on key policy challenges, such as teenage pregnancy and school exclusion.

Four and a half years later, we are being bombarded with similar rhetoric, though thankfully the focus it encapsulates is more on opportunities than problems. Children and young people are being discussed in a new light - with thinking directed at positive experiences for the many and more purposeful interventions for the few who transgress a variety of boundaries.

I want to start my contribution to Children & Young People Now not with the scepticism of 2003 but with a sense of optimism. I am pleased that the tone of political announcements from the Prime Minister down has shifted from the gratuitous demonisation of the young and preoccupation with their regulation. There is an interest in extending democratic participation to 16-year-olds, the 10-year youth strategy, greater attention to social inclusion, a commitment to broadening the bases of education and learning, and a shared responsibility for young offenders between children's services and justice. Cabinet office minister Ed Miliband has asked us to think carefully about how we talk about young people and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls has counselled caution about the profligate use of Asbos.