During the Health and Social Services Committee meeting of the 5 February 2004 Minister for Health and Social Services, Jane Hutt presented the paper - Children and Young People: Rights to Action. The document gives details of the progress that has been made by the Assembly and its commitments for the future.

Part 1: Our Commitment outlines the Assembly's commitment in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); Children's Commissioner for Wales; Participation of children and young people; Sustainable development; Physical punishment of children; Children in need; and Diversity and equality of opportunity.

Part 2: Making it Happen sets out the changes the Assembly wish to put into place to put their commitments into place which include an examination of the work of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Children and Young People; Safeguarding vulnerable children review; Framework Partnerships; CAFCAS; Inspection; and the care, education and health sector workforce.

Part 3: The Seven Core Aims sets out what the Assembly Government is doing for children and young people under each of its core aims which are based on the UNCRC.

Aim 1: A Flying Start in Life; looks at Sure Start; Parenting Support; Early Years education and Development of language and literacy skills

Aim 2: A Comprehensive Range of Education, Training and Learning Opportunities; includes an examination of The Learning Country, Assessment and Testing; Listening to Learners; Bullying; Exclusion; Inclusive education and School breakfasts

Aim 3: The Best Possible Health Free from Abuse, Victimisation and Exploitation looks at children in need, safeguarding children, and the health of children and young people

Aim 4: Play, Leisure, Sporting and Cultural Activities

Aim 5: Treated with Respect and have their race and cultural Identity Recognised

Aim 6: A Safe Home and Community looks at preventing homelessness, youth offending; safe routes to school and substance misuse

Aim 7: Children and Young People not disadvantaged by poverty

Part 4: Setting Priorities and Evaluation sets out for consultation a draft national approach to developing policy, improving services for children and young people, and evaluating the difference made to their lives. A structure of objectives, targets and indicators is proposed which fit with the UNCRC and the Assembly's seven core aims. It provides a basis for an evaluation strategy to determine the Frameworks' effectiveness and a way for partnerships and the Assembly to work together. Tables are presented in the document which set out Outcomes, Indicators and Means of Verification for each on the seven core aims.
Responses should be sent by Friday 7 May 2004 to:

David Middleton
Children's Framework Team
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ
E mail david.middleton@wales.gsi.gov.uk