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.
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