Every Child Matters Background In 2003 the green paper 'Every Child Matters' was published by the government to strengthen preventative services for children and young people following the formal response to the death of Victoria Climbie. Following this there was wide consultation with both professionals working in all children's services and with parents, children and young people. The Government then published 'Every Child Matters' :The Next Steps, and also passed the Children Act 2004 which provided the legislative spine for developing more effective, needs led services. Every Child Matters: Change for Children was published in 2004. Overview and Aims The Government's aim is for all children to have the support they need , whatever their background or circumstances. By working collaboratively in multi-agency partnerships all services which provide support to children and young people will be working together to ensure that children can not 'slip through the net' and that they receive the best outcomes. The outcomes are mutually reinforcing and evidence shows that education is the most effective route out of poverty. It is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.  The 5 Outcomes identified as being the most important to children and young people are: Be Healthy Stay Safe Enjoy and Achieve Make a Positive Contribution Achieve Economic Well-Being Within these outcomes are a number of aims, targets, indicators, support mechanisms and inspection criteria. All services are now required to have regard to the 5 Outcomes and their services are measured in relation to these. All services are teaming up in new ways to share information, work together, protect children and young people and to protect then from harm. All local authorities will be working to deliver joined up services through their own arrangements for children's trusts or children's services. Many authorities now have key people in post to help deliver this change process. One of the key challenges will be effectively ensuring that services which have worked for so long in isolation will be able to work collaboratively. But this will mean sharing a communality of language and an understanding of professionalism in different service providers. Key areas are Social Services,Health, Education and Crime Prevention teams. Strategy and Governance Local leaders and managers are developing strategies to address the Every Child Matters agenda and delivery of a Children's Trust/Services arrangement. It is recognised that to work effectively there will need to be full consultation and involvement with the Voluntary and Community Sector and with children, young people and families within the communities. Prevention, Participation and Partnership Through Sure Start Local Programmes, Children's Fund and Youth Offending Services the government has already delivered programmes which have shown effective multi-agency partnership working, often from the Voluntary and Community Sector and engaging consultation with children and young people to meet their needs in delivering to the 5 Outcomes. Contact Sue Martin at the SmithMartin Partnership for help and advice on Every Child Matters. Useful websites for further information :- www.everychildmatters.gov.uk www.dfes.gov.uk www.childrensfund.gov.uk www.surestart.gov.uk