YES - Caroline Abrahams, director of policy, NCH
I say yes, though I accept this requires a big leap of faith. The right national targets are required so youth issues aren't forgotten. Trusts will also need the resources to carry out their tasks - a major doubt at present.
But this question is currently impossible to answer because the Government hasn't yet decided how trusts will work. I understand every local authority area will have to set up an overarching partnership, though whether as the trust board or above the trust still remains unclear.
The partnership will develop the local vision for services and an outline delivery plan, so it is crucial that young people's issues are high on its agenda and every area has a strategy for improving outcomes for children and young people. This means youth issues must be adequately represented round the table, and we must scrutinise not only the children bill but also the guidance - due in early 2005 - to ensure they are.
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