Independent commission to look into early intervention

The government has confirmed an independent commission will be set up into early intervention to be chaired by Graham Allen MP.

The enquiry will be one of the first pieces of work by the Social Justice Cabinet Committee, chaired by Iain Duncan Smith, secretary of state for work and pensions.

Children’s minister Sarah Teather jointly launched the commission with Smith, saying: “Intervening earlier with troubled families will not only prevent children and their parents falling into a cycle of deprivation, anti-social behaviour and poverty but can save thousands if not millions of pounds in the longer term.

“This review demonstrates the importance the government places on improving early intervention. We want to learn from the areas already pioneering a successful approach to tackling troubled families early and build on local good practice.”

The commission will report by the end of January 2011 on the issue of best practice and provide an interim report on funding. A final report on funding will be produced by May 2011.

Allen is MP for Nottingham North and previously co-wrote a report, “Early Intervention: Good Parents, Great Kids, Better Citizens” with Iain Duncan Smith, for the Centre for Social Justice and the Smith Institute.

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services and the Centre 4 Excellence and Outcomes (C4EO) are also in the process of compiling a list of effective early interventions.

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