Cash aims to give children a voice

The government has set aside £500,000 this year to help
young people in England give their views on government policies and
services that affect them.

The consultation fund will pay for young people to attend
conferences and events, covering travel expenses, delegate fees,
accommodation and expenses for support workers. It is to be
targeted at children who would not otherwise take part in
consultations, including those from disadvantaged areas and
disabled children.

Voluntary organisations will be able to apply for the money on
behalf of children and young people.

Children in Wales will also be getting a stronger voice in the
planning and delivery of public services, according to Welsh
minister for children Jane Hutt.

Presenting the Welsh assembly’s response to
recommendations from the children’s commissioner for Wales,
Hutt said advocacy would be made available to all children and
young people in health, social services and education settings to
ensure they are better safeguarded and to expose unfair treatment
and bullying.

More at

www.cypu.gov.uk/corporate/participation/consultationfund.cfm
and
www.crights.org.uk/index.html