|
If these buttons don't work, try |
SOCIAL SERVICES NORTH WEST (NWASSA)
MEETING ON 15 SEPTEMBER 2000 AT WIGAN
REPORT OF THE CO-ORDINATOR
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COMMISSIONER - RESPONSES
1. Matter for consideration:
The response to Social Services North West's letter to all MPs serving the areas of member authorities, urging
that the office of Children's Rights Commissioner be established.
2. Introduction:
Members will recall that at the Social Services North West Committee Meeting in June, it was agreed that letters
be sent to all the Region's MPs, urging the appointment of a Children's Rights Commissioner. This has since been
done (copy attached) and the response is reported below.
3. Information:
3.1. It was clear from the Government's response, reported at the June Meeting, that their preferred option was
that of the more limited post of Children's Rights Director. A significant degree of support has however been received
from the Region's Members of Parliament for the creation of a fully-fledged Children's Rights Commissioner.
3.2. A total of 18 MPs responded, from a total of 62 who were written to. Of these, 8 supported the stance taken
by SSNW. The remainder made no comment. One respondent said they had taken the matter up with John Hutton MP, Minister
of State at the Department of Health and enclosed the Governments response - this was similar that already received
by SSNW and reported to the June Committee Meeting. Two others had forwarded the letter from SSNW to John Hutton
and were waiting for a reply. The remaining five MP's who expressed support were all very positive in their response
to our efforts.
3.3. Members may be aware that Hilton Dawson, MP for Lancaster and Wyre has - under the Ten Minute Rule Bill -
already put forward a proposal to establish a Commissioner for Children. A number of the MP's who responded positively
cited their support for this. Hilton Dawson himself responded to the SSNW letter and made the point that, though
he believed that we need a Children's Rights Commissioner, he also supported the Government's intention to establish
a post of Children's Rights Director, as being crucial to the well being of children living away from home.
3. 4. Members will recall that in addition to writing to MP's, it was also agreed at the previous meeting, that
member authorities be urged to pass resolutions to similar effect as that of SSNW and to advise the Secretary of
State and local MP's to act accordingly.
4. Recommendations:
4.1. That the report be noted.
4.2. That members indicate whether they have received any positive responses from any local initiatives they have
taken.
|
Clicking on these links will help you to use SSNWeb, |