HC Deb 15 May 2002 vol 385 cc722-3W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what subjects and on which dates his Department has consulted organisations representing young people; and if he will list such organisations. [52500]

Jacqui Smith

Quality Protects is the Government's flagship programme to improve the management and delivery of children's social services. Participation of children and young people underpins the Quality Protects programme and is a priority area for special grant funding. In September 2000, the Department formed a Quality Protects young people's reference group to ensure the contemporary views of children and young people inform the development of the programme. The Department meets with this group three times a year. The last meeting took place on 6 April 2002. Topics discussed included the Department's review of foster care (Choice Protects) and draft advocacy standards.

In addition to the Quality Protects reference group, the Department meets regularly with A National Voice—a young people's organisation which exists to enable young people currently or previously in care to have an effective voice in consulting and developing policies that will bring about positive change for young people. A National Voice is unique in that it is managed and staffed by young people with experience of having been in care.

Further, as part of the paediatric cardiac review, the Department has consulted children, young people and parents about their experiences of heart treatment and care. Visits took place to 14 heart units across the country in September 2001 and November 2001.

Consultation on policy developments relating to children routinely takes place involving organisations representing young people, alongside other organisations.