CYP Now - Editorial: Good intentions undermined by cold feet

Since the late 90s, we've seen central government proposing a fundamental overhaul of the services on offer to children and parents. As well as implementing policies that reflect its political philosophy, Labour has developed these plans by consulting and listening to those organisations and professionals that directly work with UK families.

Last year's green paper, Every Child Matters, and this year's Children Bill are the latest parts of this radical programme of change. Many sections of the Bill have received both cross-sector and cross-party approval.

But the Government's attitude to the amendments that have been put forward in both the House of Lords and Commons is baffling. It seems that the children's minister Margaret Hodge has turned a deaf ear to the debates and misgivings that have surrounded the Bill's passage. While the Government may have agreed to a minimum allowance for foster carers, it has made no other concessions on issues that the sector has serious concerns about.

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