Minister For Children Research Articles

Interview with Sylda Langford: People, relationships and power struggles ‐ the view from the Director‐General of the Irish Office of the Minister for Children

Ireland has suddenly become a hub of activity around children's services ‐ at central and local government levels, involving the primary statutory and voluntary agencies, and engaging some of the more disadvantaged communities. Following a critical report when it appeared before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child over a decade ago, the Irish Government set up the National Children's Office and developed a National Children's Strategy. Current developments in children's services designed to address ongoing weaknesses in provision are taking place against the backdrop of the increasing wealth of the state and families and considerable organisational change in local services. The relatively new Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) was established to consolidate these ideas and move them forwards.This article offers the perspective of Sylda Langford, Director‐General of the OMC. She outlines relevant aspects of the broader context in Ireland before describing the origins and work of the OMC, the accompanying opportunities and obstacles to progress. She also reflects on life as a civil servant in a cross‐cutting Government department, the possible forthcoming referendum in Ireland on the relative rights of parents and children and the challenges presented by collaboration with philanthropy. What follows is an edited transcript of Sylda Langford's comments.

The Childcare Act 2006: a guide

When the Childcare Act 2006 became law in July this year, the Minister for Children, Beverley Hughes, called it ‘an historic and radical piece of legislation – the first solely dedicated to early years and childcare – that redraws the boundaries of the welfare state’. Sue Griffin explains the key elements of this important new law

How a dream job became a nightmare

Many thought the position as minister for children was tailor-made for Margaret Hodge. Why then has she already faced considerable pressures to relinquish the post that she values so dearly? Cate Campbell explains.

Time to give Margaret Hodge a real chance

THROUGHOUT ALL the furore surrounding the appointment of Margaret Hodge as the minister for children I have been left baffled by one incongruity. Why is it that we have not heard from her accusers before? Where was this anger and sense of foul play when she was handed ministerial responsibility for the early years some five years ago?

Children's rights: developments and prospects

SummaryThe decade since International Year of the Child has witnessed a variety of suggestions and initiatives to promote the rights of children. Proposals for ombudswork with children, a Minister for Children, a Children's Congress, a Children's Rights Officer, a Youth Charter and Youth Councils are each critically assessed. It is argued that the forthcoming Convention on the Rights of the Child may prove less effective in winning rights for children than its advocates imagine. The author concludes that rights for children are less likely to be achieved by adopting any specific group of reforms, than by acknowledging and supporting the principle that, wherever possible, children should be encouraged to make decisions for themselves and act on their own behalf

Approval for bill of rights.

Calls for a new Bill of Rights for the; elderly and a Minister for Children are likely to be endorsed at the annual conference of the Health Visitors Association in London this weekend.