This month we hosted an event with the Centre for Young Lives, bringing together sector professionals, journalists and Parliamentarians dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people and families.
Speaking at the event, the newly appointed Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, signalled the new Government’s policy direction and priorities for supporting vulnerable children:
“I know it’s been incredibly tough…it is time for change and that change is here, and we all need to work together to make that happen… We recognise the need for an evidence-based, cross-system approach to identify those at risk, but we also need to improve the context of children’s lives to minimise risk factors.”
The importance of early intervention and targeted support to create lasting change was emphasised by Foundations’ Chief Executive Dr Jo Casebourne:
“We won’t rest until every child and family who needs it can access not just some support, but the very best, evidence-based support that has the best chance of breaking down the barriers to opportunity. And what better time for a renewed focus on evidence-based policy-making, than at the heart of a new, ambitious, mission-driven government?”
Previous Executive Chair of Foundations and former chair of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care in England, Josh MacAlister OBE, new MP for Whitehaven and Workington, stressed the urgent need to drive change for vulnerable children, stating:
“Now is the time to step it up, ask harder questions, do harder work, and this will get the change we need for children and families”.
Anne Longfield CBE, Executive Chair and Founder of the new Centre for Young Lives, also emphasised the current opportunity to bring the focus back to, and make change for, vulnerable children:
“This is about all children, but especially vulnerable children. They’ve been almost invisible at times, and this is the moment to stop them being pushed to the edges. The potential is now huge to make lasting change.”
Foundations is the national What Works Centre for Children and Families, providing evidence and practical solutions to support decision makers to improve policy and practice on family support, in order to give every child the foundations they need to reach their potential.
As a member of the What Works Network, Foundations’ work is based on the principle that high quality evidence should inform decision-making and has a vital role to play in improving the lives of vulnerable children.
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It was a pleasure to speak at a @CfYoungLives and @FoundationsWW event. Both play a crucial role in shining a light on the hidden harms children face.
— Janet Daby MP (@JanetDaby) July 17, 2024
And we are committed to doing the same by making sure all children have the opportunity to get on in life. https://t.co/hNRUMDhZWu
