DCSF releases consultation on new Children's Trusts arrangements
Strengthening Children's Trusts co-operation arrangements remains high on the agenda with the Department for Children, School and Families (DCSF) releasing a consultation on both the draft new statutory guidance and regulations.
Children’s Trusts are local partnerships intended to bring together all key agencies responsible for services for children, young people and families. Released on 13 November 2009, the Consultation on New Statutory Children's Trust Guidance and New Children and Young People's Plan Regulations also includes further advice arising from recent changes to the Children Act 2004 and the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (the ASCL Act).
According to the DCSF, the ASCL Act adds new statutory ‘relevant partners' in the Children's Trust and puts the Children's Trust Board on a 'statutory footing'. The Act also gives the Board greater responsibility for preparing, publishing, reviewing and revising the Children and Young People's Plan.
The DCSF notes however, responsibility for implementing the Plan remains with the individual partners. The Board's monitoring responsibility extends to the way partners act in accordance with the Plan and to publish an annual report setting this out.
The new draft regulations are intended to replace the existing regulations in the Children and Young People's Plan – The Children and Young People's Plan (England) Regulations 2005 and The Children and Young People's Plan (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007. The regulations cover the Plan's content, publication, its annual review and revision. The regulations also cover the people and bodies who the Board must consult when drawing up the Plan.
Issued under sections 10(8), 10(10) and 12B(4) of the Children Act 2004 as amended by the ASCL Act, the new draft statutory Children's Trust guidance replaces the 2008 Children's Trust statutory guidance on inter-agency cooperation to improve well-being of children, young people and their families. It also replaces the 2009 non-statutory Children and Young People's Plan Guidance.
Firstly, the guidance examines the implications of the new legislation and clarifies the scope and nature of the Children's Trust co-operation arrangements, the roles and responsibilities of the Children's Trust Board and how each of the partners should engage.
Secondly, the guidance highlights key tools and processes to be developed as part of the Children's Trust co-operation arrangements, to ensure the effective commissioning of all children's services. This includes those supporting early intervention and workforce development.
Finally, the guidance provides more detailed and technical advice on setting up the Children's Trust Board and producing the Children and Young People's Plan in line with the ASCL Act.
Consultation on the draft new statutory guidance and regulations will run from 13 November 2009 to 29 January 2010.
The DCSF expects section 12A of the Children Act 2004, which requires the establishment of the Children's Trust Board, to come into force on 1 April 2010.
