Speaking Out Briefing No. 2: The Government’s Social Exclusion Agenda

Tackling social exclusion – the poverty, inequality and disadvantage which can impede people from accessing goods and services - has been a government priority since 1997 and was reinvigorated by the creation of the Social Exclusion Task Force in June 2006. The Government’s approach offers a clear role for the voluntary and community sector in early intervention and supporting those most at risk, but throws up challenges in terms of mainstreaming successful interventions.

This briefing:

• outlines key policy proposals in terms of social exclusion experienced by children and young people, including publications on families with multiple disadvantages and young adults with complex needs;

• explains the implications of the cross-government action plan on social exclusion for policy relating to children and young people;

• summarises the main legislation introduced since 1997 to address social exclusion experienced by children and young people, including successive local government acts;

• details key research findings on lead professionals, special educational needs and children in care; and

• considers what opportunities this agenda may present for the children and young people’s voluntary and community sector, including provision of outreach and advice services.

To download the full briefing >> Speaking Out Briefing No. 2: The Government’s Social Exclusion Agenda (PDF)
Published September 2007

To request hard copies of this or any other Speaking Out briefing paper, please contact us on 020 7278 1041 or email policy@ncvys.org.uk.