A fresh look at childhood in modern day Britain

The plight of refugee children, children with disabilities, and young offenders in today’s society is to be highlighted in a major review into childhood, to be carried out next year.

Announced today, the independent Good Childhood Inquiry will be managed by the Children’s Society and aims to look at why so many children in the 21st century are experiencing poor childhoods. It will hear evidence during 2007-8, then make recommendations aimed at creating a new vision of childhood and improving the way individuals and politicians respond to young people.

“As a children’s charity we have a responsibility to challenge the misconceptions surrounding children and encourage fresh thinking about childhood,” said Children’s Society chief executive Bob Reitemeier. “The Good Childhood Inquiry will have a far reaching impact on children’s lives this century.”

The charity has already asked 10,000 young people what they think makes a good childhood and findings will be published in September when the charity will also open a national call for evidence on behalf of the inquiry panel.