Ambitious about intervention

Central government funding for services that tackle problems at an early juncture has been dropping at an alarming rate. Combined with continuing pressure on council purse strings, the trend has resulted in many services that can prevent problems arising for children and young people further down the line being cut back.

Some would say it is a gloomy picture. But speaking with Carey Oppenheim in her London offices, she prefers to focus on the positives. Rather than pass judgment on the government's performance in the area thus far, she diplomatically chooses to talk about how the recently established Early Intervention Foundation, which she now heads, can improve the situation. "The challenge for us is how do we make a really strong case so early intervention is compelling for central government?" she says when asked if the government is doing enough in the area.