Though the post is not yet of Cabinet rank, as called for overwhelmingly in the NYA's on-line survey, it is an important step towards joined-up action.
Hodge's remit to provide integrated leadership is backed by some significant changes. Most notably the post is at last within the DfES, not the Home Office. This move has been long called for to demonstrate a positive view and response to children and young people, with their chief advocate not trumpeting crime and antisocial behaviour in their day job.
This tension had become impossible with Government's pandering to the so-called "fear of crime", when youth crime is actu-ally decreasing and young people remain the biggest victims of crime. And it was only through intensive lobbying - including from The National Youth Agency - that the sexual offences bill received a last minute change to ensure young people under 16 could go on getting relationship and sexual health advice in support of their emotional wellbeing without fear of workers being criminalised.
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