HC Deb 02 June 1998 vol 313 cc174-5W
36. Ms Christine Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to involve young people in care in consultations on the provision of that care. [42213]

Mr. Boateng

Children Act Regulations prescribe that local authorities shall seek and take account of the views of a child before conducting any review of his case.

Guidance on children's services planning highlights the importance of local authorities seeking children's views and giving due weight to them alongside those of parents and carers.

A care leaver is one of the members of the Ministerial Task Force on children's safeguards, and the Department will be providing funding for the establishment of a new national organisation for young people in care and for care leavers.