Abstract

The Children's Trust questionnaire was introduced in the 2008/09 mapping exercise to gain an understanding of the development of Children's Trusts in England. The questionnaire was initially developed in line with the 'Children's Trusts: Statutory guidance on inter-agency cooperation to improve well-being of children, young people and their families' (DCSF, 2008). The questionnaire was adapted for the 2009-10 exercise to take into consideration the 'Children's Trust: statutory guidance on co-operation arrangements, including the Children's Trust Board and the Children and Young People's Plan - Consultation Draft' (DCSF, 2009). This report includes information on the Chair and membership of Children's Trusts Boards, completed aspects of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, joint commissioning and pooled budget arrangements in place and implementation of the Common Assessment Framework.

Data issues

The Children's Trust questionnaire was located on the local authority pages of the mapping website. Local authorities were asked to lead on the completion of the questionnaire but, where possible, to do this with other Children's Trust partners. It is therefore worth noting that in responding to this questionnaire the local authority has taken the responsibility for responding on behalf of a much broader range of partners. Please note that not all local authorities completed this questionnaire and the response rate to specific questions varies.

Relevant Policy Documents

• ECM: Department for Education and Skills (2004) Every Child Matters. London: DfES.
• NSF: Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills (2004)National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. London: Department of Health/Department for Education and Skills.
• SGCT: Department for Education and Skills (2005) Statutory guidance on inter-agency co-operation to improve the wellbeing of children: children's trusts. Nottingham: Crown Copyright.
• CP: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2007) The Children's Plan: Building Brighter Futures. Crown Copyright.
• CTSG: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2008) Children's Trusts: statutory guidance on inter-agency cooperation to improve well-being of children, young people and their families. Crown Copyright.
• CTSGCD: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Children's Trust: statutory guidance on co-operation arrangements, including the Children's Trust Board and the Children and Young People's Plan - Consultation Draft. Crown Copyright.
• CYPP: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Children and Young People's Plan Guidance 2009. Crown Copyright.
• CTCYPPSG: Department for Children, Schools and Families (2010) Children's Trusts: Statutory guidance on co-operation arrangements, including the Children's Trust Board and the Children and Young People's Plan. Crown Copyright.