Children’s trusts prove popular

The government has received bids to run pilot children’s trusts
from 45 local authorities.

Health minister Jacqui Smith told delegates at the Association of
the Directors of Social Services’ spring seminar in Liverpool last
week that the bids had demonstrated “a good range of ideas”.

Smith said some bids had focused on delivering services for
specific client groups, while others had taken a broader
commissioning approach. However, all will develop models that
involve joint working between social services, education and
health.

Some bids involved the community, private and voluntary sectors,
Smith said, while others suggested locating services in
neighbourhood centres and the government’s new extended schools.
Some of the trusts would cover youth justice services.

The government will be holding interviews with-short listed
councils during May. Those selected will receive £60,000 in
funding, with an additional £40,000 for large or complex
trusts potentially available.