‘Are we there yet?’: The way forward for Children’s Trusts. 28 November 2008. 2pm – 4pm

The Children’s Plan expected “local authorities and their strategic partners in Children’s Trusts to champion and take responsibility for achieving measurable improvements in the lives of children”. However, the Audit Commission survey ‘Are we there yet?’ concludes that:

“There is little evidence that children’s trusts, as required by the government, have improved outcomes for children and young people or delivered better value for money, over and above locally agreed cooperation”.

Has the Audit Commission got it right and are the recommendations outlined in the report a workable option? With new guidelines for Trusts expected later this month, what is the way forward for Children’s Trust?

Chris Waterman will provide the opening presentation to stimulate an open discussion of the issues. Mark Corney, Policy Adviser to the Campaign will look at the issues from a 14-19 angle