§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he intends to take to improve the well-being of children in care. [99064]
§ Mr. HuttonA major programme of action to improve services for children in the public care has been set out in the Government's Response to the Children's Safeguards Review: the launch of the three-year "Quality Protects" programme; and in the White Paper "Modernising Social Services". The "Quality Protects" programme set new national objectives to transform the management and delivery of children's social services. A special grant of £375 million over three years has been made available to support the changes.
The Government also believe that many young people living in and leaving care have not been getting a fair deal. The Children (Leaving Care) Bill, introduced in the 78W House of Lords on 18 November, will change the system to give these young people the support they need and deserve in preparing for and leaving care.