Opinion: Will Lead Professionals lead the way?

Second, there is the issue of choice and credibility. How is the matching or allocation to take place? When, and on what basis, might young people be able to change their lead professional, if at all? Clearly, the idea would be undermined if the adult lacks credibility in the young person's mind. But if there is too much choice, young people may elect for change as soon as the lead professional seeks to steer them in directions that do not appeal.

Third, there is the matter of access and availability. Early discussions about the role of Connexions personal advisers were about them being on call 24 hours a day. This was to avoid the historical allegation of young people, notably those in care, about designated social workers who, when needed, were "on holiday, sick or on a training course". When lead professionals are not available for these, and other, reasons, who is to take their place? Will the young people concerned be satisfied with such surrogate provision? Like most policy proposals, the youth green paper is long on aspirations and new ideas; short on exposition about how precisely things will be put into practice. Since the days of, in statutory terms, only social work involvement, there has been a stream of plans to attach young people, significantly those most disadvantaged and most in need, to dedicated adults who can assist their learning, inclusion and development: mentors, learning coaches, personal advisers and now lead professionals.