§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to support the work of A National Voice following the collapse of First Key. [118909]
§ Jacqui SmithI was saddened to learn of the decision by the Trustees of First Key that they had no option but to cease trading with immediate effect on 6 June. I recognise the serious consequences of this development for A National Voice (ANV), which was dependent on 1121W First Key for their management support. Officials from the Department will be meeting with the former managers of First Key shortly, as a first step in establishing how the charity's previous work programme on behalf of care leavers might be managed in future—this meeting will also discuss the immediate and long-term future of ANV.
The Government remain committed to the principle that one important aspect of safeguarding the welfare of children and promoting the participation of looked after children in their own care and in wider policy is support for an organisation led by care-experienced young people representing the voices of children in care and care leavers.