'The Every Child Matters series of documents set out the most Essay

'The Every Child Matters series of documents set out the most important proposals for change in the field of child safeguardin - Essay Example II. Definition In an effort to meet children’s developmental needs, the UK government was prompted to consult children themselves, of things that matter to them most in order to be the basis of proposals for change. These key outcomes—being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and economic well-being are detailed in the Every Child Matters report and represent a considerable shift in focus for staff providing public services for children. (Baxter & Frederickson, 2005). In the document for Every Child Matters, Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2006), important definitions on some constructs on hand were given: â€Å"In the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. ‘Children’ therefore means ‘children and young people’ throughout. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital, in prison or in a Young Offenders’ Institution, does not change his or her status or entitlement to services or protection under the Children Act 1989. â€Å"(HM Government, 2006, p.34) Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as â€Å"protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development and ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care (HM Government, pp. 34-35) Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the â€Å"activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm† (HM Government, p. 35). III. Historical context The controversial brutal death of eight-year old Victoria Climbie in the hands of people she trusted spurred an in-depth investigation that inspired the writing of the G reen Paper, otherwise known as Every Child Matters. Although her death is a tragic loss, it has awakened in the government its vigilance in the protection of children, hence, Victoria’s death was not in vain. The UK is signatory in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. Every five years, the UK government is required to report to the UN Commission on its progress in implementing the convention in the country. It is expected that all government departments hold responsibility to promote the convention and the five key outcomes set out in Every Child Matters namely: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and economic well-being. This document provides the vehicle for the delivery of the convention in the country. It widens the scope of government involvement in children’s development and challenges all those involved with children to develop effective practices in promoting positive developmental outcomes for all. Inspe ctors of children’s services will be looking for evidence that â€Å"Children and young people, parents and carers are involved in identifying their needs and designing services† and â€Å"Children and young people contribute to performance management and their views are listened to† (Ofsted, 2004). IV. Important proposal for changes The Government’s response to the inquiry report and the first joint Chief Inspectors’ Report (Cm 5861) identified the key features of an effective