Another consideration will be ensuring the system is fully inclusive and does not alienate smaller or voluntary sector providers.
While all these concerns are valid, we should not lose sight of the fact that the purpose of the scheme is positive - to encourage and reward excellent outcomes for children and families.
The criteria set out for the pilots are not set in stone and the trials will be crucial in testing out approaches, exploring possible measures and criteria, and developing workable systems for the sector to roll out.
Children's centres are achieving great things for children and families. If we make sure the system works, it could be a way of recognising and rewarding them.
Anne Longfield, chief executive, 4Children
Reduce child custody numbers
Devolving the cost of custody is a radical move that may change the whole justice system, not just youth justice.
At the moment, there are few financial incentives for local authorities to reduce the number of children who are locked up. Custody is in effect a "free good". In recent years, youth offending teams such as Wessex and Leeds have worked hard to reduce child custody numbers, but their budgets have been cut, rather than increased.
There are still many children in jail who should not be there. While not long enough for early intervention to reap rewards, two years (the length of the pilot) is plenty for local authorities to develop remand fostering, to invest in the relationship between YOTs and magistrates, and to work intensively with families - all of which can affect the decision to imprison.
Penelope Gibbs, director, Prison Reform Trust's Out of Trouble programme
Resolve Shoesmith dispute
I am not surprised the UK Supreme Court has refused leave to appeal, especially when one takes into consideration the direct comments of the Master of the Rolls in the Court of Appeal judgment, who said: "I consider that Haringey's decision to dismiss Ms (Sharon) Shoesmith was itself unlawful and void." (cypnow.co.uk, 2 August).
As it is most likely the UK taxpayer who is footing the bill for the no doubt expensive legal fees of Haringey Council and the Department for Education for this procrastinated litigation, surely now is the time for the parties to consider other ways of resolving this dispute, such as mediation or a negotiated settlement.
Philip Henson, head of employment, Bargate Murray law firm
Email cypnow@haymarket.com or write to The editor, CYP Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP
