Labour’s Charlotte MacKenzie today lent her support to two campaigns to move children’s services to the top of the political agenda.

Charlotte said:

“In Cornwall, we know that the investment in new children’s centres – which I warmly welcome – hasn’t always been matched by the effective co-ordination needed to make children’s services fail-safe. I am glad that the Ofsted inspection brought the urgent need for improvement to light before the communication gaps in Cornwall caused a preventable child tragedy. Leadership is vital and following the resignation of Cllr Sally Bain I hope Cornwall Council moves quickly to appoint a new portfolio holder in this area.

“I know how difficult it is for people working in front line children’s services – support for front line staff is vital and the Ofsted report also highlighted staffing needs.

“I am supporting two national campaigns for children.

“Everyone in Cornwall who is concerned about the problems in local children’s services will welcome the NSPCC’s child protection campaign.

“People have been raising specific issues with me about caring for children with disabilities in Cornwall. The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign is highlighting this important issue and support services are also influenced by local decision making.”

You can find out more at http://charlottemackenzie.com

For more information see National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and http://www.ncb.org.uk/edcm/home.aspx