News

Never has the phrase "the devil is in the detail" been more appropriate or more terrifying. Although the Children Act 2004 finally made its way onto the statute book this week, much more information is needed before we can begin to understand the full implications of its proposals.

The first swathe of much-needed guidance is expected early next month. It is hoped that this will begin to shed some light on key changes such as the creation of one or more databases and the establishment of children’s trusts (although the latter surprisingly do not even warrant a mention in the Act itself).

But despite these holes, few would disagree that the Act represents the most significant piece of legislation for children since the Children Act 1989. The sector is now desperate to see that the mistakes in implementing the latter are not repeated.

In order to ensure the 2004 Act’s focus on genuinely integrated and preventive services bears fruit, the costs associated with change and service delivery must be acknowledged and met.

The new public health white paper insists children’s trusts and other joint planning measures included in the Children Act are central to the delivery of its targets too. In these circumstances failure as a result of inadequate investment is not an option.