The new Minister, Jeff Rooker, will set up and chair a government Sub-committee, consisting of all members of the current Ministerial team (excluding the Secretary of State). Committee meetings are to be held four times a year about issues regarding children and young people. The committee will also be attended by Permanent Government representatives of relevant departments.
A Children and Young People’s Forum, made up of approximately 25 children and young people, will also be set up to offer advice to the Minister and Committee on key policy initiatives and issues brought forward by them for discussion.
The new Minister will have a key role to play in driving forward the 10-year Strategy for Children and Young People. The draft strategy was consulted on between November 2004 and February 2005 and will be published for implementation later this year. If you want to read the main proposals of the strategy, which were commented on by children and young people around
The Minister for Children will be supported by the Children and Young People’s Unit in OFMDFM, which also has lead responsibility for the 10-year strategy.
