Policy & Practice: Briefing - A guide to complaints by youngpeople

So why have we got new guidance on complaints? This is the latest stage in a process of refining and standardising the way in which complaints from young people against local authority social services are dealt with.

It comes in the wake of pieces of legislation covering looked-after and adopted young people and, in particular, following the findings of the Waterhouse inquiry into sexual abuse in children's homes in north Wales.

That cited many examples where young people had attempted to complain but had not been heard. Then there's the ever-present influence of Every Child Matters.

OK, what has to happen? Bear in mind this is very detailed stuff. This is not just a few hints for good practice, but statutory guidance that applies to specific young people and to specific matters for complaint.