As a direct result of the findings in the Victoria Climbie report, the Children Act 2004 has made local authorities responsible for producing a plan aimed at improving the lives of children and young people.

The aim of the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) is to provide more integrated and effective services for children and young people as set out in Every Child Matters (that children should Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve Economic Wellbeing).

The CYPP will seek to make improvements where necessary, setting targets as to how and when these will be achieved. The plan will have implications for any services that have an effect on children – not just schools and youth services, but also children’s social services, housing, transport, regeneration, leisure services and health services (among others). From a practical point of view, the CYPP means much closer working between local authority departments and outside agencies to provide comprehensive services focused on the specific needs of children and young people.

The Government has outlined a number of agencies with whom the concil must work to produce the Plan including those local primary care trusts, the police and probation services, and other stakeholders such as schools, colleges and the voluntary and community sectors.

The Plan must be in place by 1 April 2006. When the first draft has been produced, a consultation process will be undertaken during September and October to give everyone a chance to contribute to its development. Once in place, the CYPP will be reviewed on a regular basis in order to ensure that it is still meeting the needs of children and young people in the District.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the Children and Young People’s Plan can contact either Steve Lawrenson (01924 307777) or John Smith (01924 305571) or email cypp@wakefield.gov.uk. Further information is also available at www.everychildmatters.gov.uk.