By Paul Dicken
12 November 2009
Progress on reducing child poverty in Wales has been ‘inadequate’ and the economic climate should not be used as an excuse for shying away from the problem, the children’s commissioner for Wales has said.
In his second annual review as commissioner, Keith Towler said child poverty was a ‘child rights issue’ that existed in any environment, perhaps becoming more important when the ‘prevailing economic situation is in a downturn’.
‘The health and wellbeing of all our children and young people can only be guaranteed when relative child poverty is eradicated,’ he insisted.
Towler welcomed the Welsh Assembly Government strategy Taking Action on Child Poverty, but said the issue would require ‘brave actions from government at both the Wales and Westminster level’.
The commissioner praised some of the work done in education, including on counselling services in court and around special educational needs.
However, Towler reiterated criticism of the youth justice system, controlled by Westminster.
It worked ‘against the grain of a rights-based approach and… this in turn somewhat stifles the devolved administration in Cardiff in progressing its ambition’, he said.
In the review, published on November 10, Towler also raised concerns about child safeguarding in Wales and the ‘robustness’ of arrangements in the health service.
12 November 2009
Progress on reducing child poverty in Wales has been ‘inadequate’ and the economic climate should not be used as an excuse for shying away from the problem, the children’s commissioner for Wales has said.
In his second annual review as commissioner, Keith Towler said child poverty was a ‘child rights issue’ that existed in any environment, perhaps becoming more important when the ‘prevailing economic situation is in a downturn’.
‘The health and wellbeing of all our children and young people can only be guaranteed when relative child poverty is eradicated,’ he insisted.
Towler welcomed the Welsh Assembly Government strategy Taking Action on Child Poverty, but said the issue would require ‘brave actions from government at both the Wales and Westminster level’.
The commissioner praised some of the work done in education, including on counselling services in court and around special educational needs.
However, Towler reiterated criticism of the youth justice system, controlled by Westminster.
It worked ‘against the grain of a rights-based approach and… this in turn somewhat stifles the devolved administration in Cardiff in progressing its ambition’, he said.
In the review, published on November 10, Towler also raised concerns about child safeguarding in Wales and the ‘robustness’ of arrangements in the health service.
