Policy Hub
On 11 September 2006, the Social Exclusion Task Force has published a report (Reaching out: an action plan on social exclusion) which sets out the work, across government, to improve the life chances and opportunities of the most disadvantaged and hard-to-reach in society. The plan is aimed at reducing and preventing the harm and cost caused by social exclusion to individuals, their families and our communities and is guided by five principles:
early intervention
systematically identifying what works
better co-ordination of the many separate agencies
personal rights and responsibilities
intolerance of poor performance
The plan will include:
Health-led support from pre-birth to age 2, focused on the most at-risk, with 10 demonstration projects, up-skilling of key staff such as midwives and health visitors, and revised commissioning guidance nationally.
Individual budget-holding for looked after children, to ensure every child in care has someone who understands their personal needs and has the leverage to secure the right support. Details to follow in the Green Paper in the Autumn.
Teenage pregnancy hotspots targeted with enhanced Social and Relationship Education; an expanded media campaign; and better access to contraceptives.
Multi-agency and family based approaches piloted for tackling behavioural and mental health problems in childhood.
Personalised, coordinated and tailored interventions piloted for adults with chaotic lives and multiple needs.