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Families information services: evaluation of services provided

This report begins with a summary giving the background; key findings; notes on childcare information; advice and assistance - the brokerage service; information about other services, facilities and publications; information on services for disabled children, children with special educational needs and for disabled parents; access to the information service; service delivery; changes made as a result of the extended information duty requirements; and barriers, ending with recommendations and notes on limitations of the research. The main text then pursues these themes in detail.

Tackling child poverty when parents cannot work

The report describes the current strengths and weaknesses in policy provision to combat child poverty when parental employment is constrained and is a timely analysis given the approaching 2010 deadline for halving child poverty from 1999 levels. The analysis uses original and unique tax-benefit modelling of current provision across a range of low-paid and out-of-work family profiles.

Removing barriers: the facts about mental health and employment

This paper looks at barriers to employment for people with mental health problems and at efforts that are being made to support their efforts to find and sustain work. Barriers include: stigma and discrimination; low expectations and a lack of resources; financial disincentives. There is some discussion of government policy and the Pathways to Work scheme.

Good practice guidance for children in care councils

The Government's decision to provide all children and young people with the opportunity to participate fully in decisions that affect them is to be welcomed. It should give Local Authorities the opportunity to develop the appropriate methods of communication that participants need to engage fully in the Children in Care Councils. Children in Care Councils have the potential to contribute to transforming the lives of those involved, providing that children and young people are given the correct platform to share and discuss their views.