The warning has come from children's campaigners following the radicaloverhaul of the country's local and regional structure, announced lastweek.
Concerns have been raised despite the creation of a director ofchildren's services role in the national education authority that is setto replace the country's five education and library boards. The directorwill co-ordinate the body's responsibilities for children and improvecross-department working.
The health infrastructure is also to be slimmed down as part of theplans.
The number of health trusts, which deliver hospital and community-basedservices, will be cut from 18 to five.
A single strategic health authority and seven health commissioningbodies will also be set up. These will be co-terminous with districtcouncils, whose numbers have been cut from 26 to seven. Councils willtake on new functions, including community planning, and there will benew district youth networks in council areas.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
