Children to have voice in national service framework

Children and young people are to be involved in drawing up the
national service framework for children.

Public health minister Yvette Cooper has announced that six
external working groups that have been set to shape the policy on
the framework will include representatives from children’s
organisations and user groups.

Specific issues within each of the six groups – children
needing acute care, maternity, mental health and psychological
well-being, children in need and disabled children – will be
looked at.

The group looking at disabilities, for example, will link into a
network of families with disabled children through the voluntary
organisation Contact a Family.

Communication with health care professionals and consent to
treatment will be among the issues that are reflected in the NSF
standards.