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Services to children and young people faced a radical 'shake up' following the publication of the Children Bill in March 2004. This set out the Government's clear agenda for the development and direction of Children's Services in the future. It involves integrating and co-ordinating all services for children, young people and their families including health, social services, education, local authorities and others.

In Durham, we wholeheartedly support this new direction. We have already been working in partnership for some time to modernise our services but there is still much to do. We are determined that the new Children's Services will provide better and more appropriate services, improved and real engagement with users, and a well trained and flexible workforce to take ownership of the new ways of working that will be required.

Some young people's view is that:

'All Children and Young People are full human beings; rights holders who will play an active part in the community and an active part in the enjoyment of their rights'.

This challenges the belief of many people and organisations that children and young people are incompetent, dependant, powerless and politically silent.

'As human beings children and young people will be able to experience a full range of emotions and experiences such as joy, happiness, stimulation and challenge, care, play, friendship and do this in safety'.

(Investing in Children 2002)

The Green Paper set out five outcomes which services should work towards, based on consultation with children and young people:

• Being healthy
• Staying Safe
• Enjoying and achieving
• Making a positive contribution
• Economic well-being

From this, we have developed our Vision and Values for Children, Young People and their Families.