The indications are that it won't set the children's services world alight. But given that this is the cornerstone of Every Child Matters, such a declaration will be both welcome and massively overdue.
Politicians from the main three parties have each stated their support for investment in intervening early with children and families in order to prevent greater costs later down the line. But whether the reality on-the-ground emulates their rhetoric is an entirely different matter. There is a danger at present that concerns around child protection and pressures to cut spending channel disproportionate energy and resources at the acute end.
This makes the need greater than ever for solid evidence of what constitutes effective early intervention. Decision-makers at local level need to be given a crisper, sharper story about what makes a difference to people's lives. It should be seen as essential to maintain proper investment beyond 2010 on services in children's centres, schools and youth clubs, so long as they deliver.
The spotlight this week moved to the Social Work Taskforce, with measures announced to improve safeguarding and boost the status for a workforce whose morale is rock-bottom. Yet, children's social workers don't operate in a vacuum. It would be absurd to view social workers dealing with crisis situations in isolation from practitioners that intervene early. The best way to ease the burden on social workers is to focus attention and resources on reducing the challenges that children and families face in the first place.
Award winners are inspiration to all
It's difficult to rival the collective achievement, pride and energy that was crammed into the 2009 Children & Young People Now Awards last Thursday night. Children's Secretary Ed Balls, held up by a defective Birmingham-London train, hot-footed to Parliament for a crucial vote on the Queen's Speech before dashing to Fulham to open our awards with a full five minutes to spare.
What ensued was an electric evening, thanks to youth dance act Jukebox Juniors and 22 inspirational winners. Well done to all the winners and finalists. This week's enclosed awards book provides a legacy of learning and best practice for everyone working with children and young people.
- Ravi Chandiramani, editor, Children & Young People Now
