28th July 2010
The government has launched an independent review into how early intervention projects can improve the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children. Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and children’s minister Sarah Teather have confirmed in a joint statement that the review will be chaired by Labour MP Graham Allen.
The review will look at ways children’s professionals can better support children’s social and emotional needs and "break the cycles of underachievement which blight some of our poorest communities".
Examples of successful schemes will be
looked at. The review will also look at funding early intervention schemes in
"innovative ways" rather than government funding, their statement
adds. Allen said: "I have insisted that this work be strictly independent and
the lessons shared with all parties. If early intervention is to be a success
it must last a generation and, therefore, has to be owned and sustained by all
parties."
The review is the first major piece of work to emerge from the Cabinet’s social
justice committee, which is chaired by Duncan Smith. Allen will produce an
interim report in January 2011 detailing case studies of successful schemes and
recommendations on funding. A final report will be published in May next year.
Teather added: "Intervening earlier with troubled families can not only
prevent children and their parents falling into a cycle of deprivation,
anti-social behaviour and poverty but can save thousands if not millions of
pounds in the longer term."
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