Children First

Originally a three-year programme, Children First has been extended and continues to operate.

The programme sets key objectives for children's services covering the whole spectrum of services that vulnerable children depend upon, including social services, health and education. Each local authority is asked to provide evidence of how it will improve services provided to children, and these are evaluated against set targets. The Children First programme has been a catalyst for improvement and there is evidence that good progress has been made in achieving its policy aims.

The Children First team deals with a wide range of policies relating to children’s services, working alongside other policy leads across the Welsh Assembly Government, UK Government and devolved administrations, as well as key partners such as local authorities and the voluntary sector.