Serving children well - a new vision for young people's services, a discussion document published last week by the Local Government Association (LGA), the NHS Confederation and the Association of Directors of Social Services, sets out a strategic frame-work for services which would aim to enhance life chances for children and avoid the need for intervention later. Early years services are recognised in the document for their unique ability to offer support to children and families from the outset.
It is intended to involve children and their families more centrally in the organisation of services and ensure that agencies work in partnership to meet their needs. The report says, 'Children live as part of their family, their school and their community. Housing, school, play facilities, transport, GPs and health care and social services all shape their experience. It is only at local level that this complex picture can be made coherent and accountable.'
Alison King, chair of the LGA's social care and health executive said, 'It is vital that we all work together to improve children's services nationally through taking a locally focused approach.
'All children deserve the best life chances. I hope our ideas will stimulate a debate and future action that will ensure this is possible.
Involving children, their families and communities in planning these services is at the centre of our plans.'
The document can be downloaded from www.lga.gov.uk.
