Children’s trusts were established through the 2004 Children’s
Act to bring together organisations that work with children. By 2008, all areas
in England were supposed to have a children’s trust in place.
Are all children’s trusts the same?
There are similarities. All trusts must have a board to oversee
their operations, but there is scope to tailor their structure to fit the local
area. For example, those in more rural areas can involve distinct local groups
within the trust. In small urban areas, such groups may not be necessary.
What does the children’s trust do?
An important duty of trusts is to develop the children and young
people’s plan, which outlines the priorities for all partners in improving
outcomes for children and young people. Priorities will be distinct to each
local area. While the trust prepares the plan, it is up to the partners to deliver
it. Many trusts have pooled their resources and jointly commissioned services.
Who
is part of the trust?
The top-tier local authority is required to set up and maintain
the partnership. There are a number of statutory partners, including primary
care trusts, the police and schools, which are required to be involved. The
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 updated the list of
partners to include maintained schools, non-maintained schools, academies, further
education colleges and pupil referral units.
Are voluntary organisations included in children’s trust?
Often, local charities that provide services for children and families
are included as partners, but it is left up to each area to decide the level
of input from such non-statutory groups.