Information for parents
Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.
The programme places better outcomes for children firmly at the centre of all policies and approaches involving children's services. These outcomes are:
- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Enjoy and achieve
- Make a positive contribution
- Achieve economic well-being
The programme demands that all organisations that provide services to children work together in more integrated and effective ways.
The need for change was made apparent in Lord Laming's report into the
death of Victoria Climbié, the young girl who was horrifically abused and
tortured, and eventually killed by her great aunt and the man with whom they
lived. The report highlighted a need for improved integration and
accountability across children's services.
In 2003, the Government published a green paper called Every Child Matters
alongside its formal response to Lord Laming's report. The green paper
prompted an unprecedented debate about services for children, young people and
families. There was a wide consultation with people working in children's
services, and with parents, children and young people.
Following the consultation, the Government published Every Child Matters: the Next Steps, and passed the Children Act 2004, providing the legislative spine for developing more effective and accessible services focused around the needs of children, young people and families.
The latest steps in the implementation of Every Child Matters are captured in the Children's Plan, published on 11th December 2007.
Click for useful websites for parents.
Documents
Every
Child Matters: Change for Children
This page was last updated on 13 March 2008
