Every child matters / presented to Parliament by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Command of Her Majesty, September 2003.

  • Great Britain. Treasury
Date:
2003
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Every child matters / presented to Parliament by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Command of Her Majesty, September 2003. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    | was delighted to be asked by the Prime Minister to lead the development of this Green Paper. Over the past year, | have met and worked with a range of practitioners, academics, policymakers and children and young people. Their influence has shaped the paper — their ideas and advice have been invaluable. Every Child Matters is published alongside a detailed response to Lord Laming’s Report into the death of Victoria Climbié, and a report produced by the Social Exclusion Unit on raising the educational attainment of children in care. | am extremely grateful to Lord Laming and his team for all their work on the inquiry that led to his report. This Green Paper seeks views from everyone but it is addressed in particular to those vital groups of staff and professionals who are committed to meeting children’s needs. The Government recognises their dedication, the progress they have made and the lead they have given, even while asking new questions and setting new challenges. Since 1997, we have tried to put children first. We have increased the focus on prevention through the child poverty strategy, Sure Start, and our work to raise school standards. But there is still more to do. The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Victoria Climbié bring home only too powerfully that there is no room for complacency. We have to do more both to protect children and ensure each child fulfils their potential. Security and opportunity must go hand in hand. Child protection must be a fundamental element across all public, private and voluntary organisations. Equally, we must be ambitious for all children, whoever they are and wherever they live.