Tuesday: I attend a small "lock-in", on behalf of the Children's InterAgency Group, to read a draft of the forthcoming Youth Crime ActionPlan. To be included in this way is a sign of progress - although it'sclear different government departments take different approaches.Frankly, such is the anxiety about leaks, just admitting that this eventtook place is probably my one-way ticket to the Tower. The plan mustwalk a line between public expectations and evidence of what reallyworks - the urge to react to the genuine concerns versus the aspirationsof The Children's Plan. In fairness, the officials listen hard.
Wednesday: To Manchester for the second annual conference of theAssociation of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS). Last year'sevent was the moment when we knew the association had arrived. But wouldthis year live up to expectations? The theme is childhood poverty. Weget off to a strong start, led by president Maggie Atkinson, and what isnow an established frank and thoughtful approach from senior officialsin the Department for Children, Schools and Families. A convivial dinnerin which collective frankness and thoughtfulness somehow seem totemporarily veer out of control. Must have been something in thesoup.
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