The Community and Youth Workers' Union (CYWU) and Unison both criticised proposals to open up the provision of children and young people's services to competition.
Colin Meech, national officer for youth work at Unison, said: "We're sceptical about private sector involvement in children's services. We would much rather see a transparent and accountable public service.
"We don't believe the private sector has brought many benefits to public service delivery and prefer an in-house service delivered by a dedicated workforce."
Doug Nicholls, general secretary of the CYWU, also attacked the plans.
"The care, support and education of young people is a state responsibility," he said. "It is not a fast-food chain that can be subject to tendering."
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