Every Child Matters and the Children Act

Every Child Matters is the Government's plan to reform and improve children's care and was written in response to the inquiry into the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie.

It affects all children, aged from birth to 19, and aims to improve educational achievement and reduce the levels of ill health, teenage pregnancy, abuse and neglect, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Every Child Matters is intended to help children and young people achieve the five outcomes that matter most to them and their parents and carers. These are:

Learn more about Every Child Matters by visiting the national website

Each organisation that provides services for children and young people must now work together to put these plans in place. Eventually, key services (education, health, social services etc) will be delivered in each local authority area through a locally determined partnership.