Every Child Matters

When Every Child Matters: Change for Children was introduced it was seen as a key new move to help promote the well-being of children and young people. The Government decided that this scheme would end following discussions amongst the coalition.

Any organisation that had the aim of providing a service to children and young people, whether that be the local authority, schools, police and other care providers, had to ensure that they looked after the welfare of their clients. It meant a multi-agency approach was developed and these organisations teamed up to share information to help children achieve and be a success. It also meant that children were kept from harm, and had a chance to reveal how they felt in various situations.

Outcomes for Children

“The Government publication ‘Every Child Matters: change for children’ (December 2004) indicates national and local priorities for Children’s Services and sets out an Outcomes Framework which includes the 5 Outcomes for Children and Young people, The 5 outcomes are:

1. Being Healthy so that they are physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually healthy, have healthy lifestyles and choose not to take illegal drugs.
2. Staying Safe from maltreatment, neglect, violence, sexual exploitation, accidental injury and death, bullying and discrimination, crime and anti-social behaviour in and out of school, have security and stability and are cared for.
3. Enjoying and Achieving so that they are ready for school, attend and enjoy school, achieve stretching national educational standards at primary and secondary school, achieve personal and social development and enjoy recreation.
4. Making a Positive Contribution so that they engage in decision-making, support their community and environment, engage in law-abiding and positive behaviour in and out of school, develop positive relationships, choose not to bully and discriminate, develop self-confidence, successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges and develop enterprising behaviour.
5. Achieving Economic Well-being so that they engage in further education, employment or training on leaving school, are ready for employment, live in decent homes and sustainable communities, have access to transport and material goods, live in households free from low income”