The year ahead will be a busy one for children's services. And with acabinet reshuffle expected as early as next week, local governmentelections in May and controversial legislation to push through, thepolitical stakes are high.
"We've given a lot of thought to the Every Child Matters agenda andchanged a lot of structures. Now we've got to make a difference," saysAndrew Webb, co-chair of the Association of Directors of SocialServices' children and families committee.
He believes funding issues will be a major concern because of limits oncouncil budget increases. "All children's services budgets are underserious pressure," he reveals. "Many local authorities are really goingto struggle to fund services, especially those on the edge that makesuch a difference to the most vulnerable children and families. It'sreally going to colour every thing that gets done."
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