§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he(a) has taken and (b) will take to implement Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People; and what progress has been made in drawing up an action plan. [36883]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department is playing a leading role in engaging children and young people in the development of policy. Development of the Department's action plan is well advanced. Participation of children and young people underpins both the Quality Protects programme and implementation of the NHS Plan.
The Department was one of the first Government Departments to create a young people's reference group. This group is serving as a model of good practice for other Government Departments and local councils.