Member News
Arguments in favour of early intervention are well rehearsed, but are the measures financially sustainable, asks Baroness Massey of Darwen
A review by Graham Allen MP, entitled 'Early Intervention: the Next Steps' was published in January 2011. The report sets out the rationale for early intervention 'to create the essential social and emotional bedrock for all children' from age nought to three.
The report also seeks to build on previous reports and evidence from government programmes. The argument is well rehearsed already: that intervention happens too late to address health, social and behavioural problems which have become entrenched during the early years. This is costly in human and financial terms. Allen argues that children need to develop social capabilities and emotional capabilities. Without these skills, he argues, children will find it difficult to be school-ready, life-ready and child-ready (able to understand the building of relationships and the importance of parents).
My question, asking the government how this report will influence its policies, will seek answers to how early intervention will be financially sustainable. Parents often need help and support in bringing up children. Will programmes such as Sure Start and family intervention projects be not just sustained but expanded?
Doreen Elizabeth Massey was raised to the peerage as Baroness Massey of Darwen, in the County of Lancashire in 1999. Baroness Massey is currently secretary of the all-party parliamentary group for humanism and a member of the Lords information select committee.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.