Children's Services

HC Deb 30 October 2000 vol 355 c247W

Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish new guidance for planning children's services. [134402]

Mr. Hutton

Draft new guidance on planning services for vulnerable children was issued for consultation in April 2000. The broad thrust of the guidance that planning for vulnerable children should be conducted by the whole Council with Health and other partners was welcomed. We are now working with the Children and Young People's Unit and others to produce non-statutory "good practice" guidance on planning children's services as soon as possible.