Wales’ children can be freed to thrive

WALES sent out a bold message to the world when it appointed a Children’s Commissioner – a move followed by the other UK nations.

The arrival of Peter Clarke in 2001 was an important signal of intent. It showed that we wanted children in Wales to be championed, defended and inspired.

The foundation of the Assembly gave Wales the opportunity to develop distinct policies that will provide young people with life chances they would not otherwise enjoy. The nation’s AMs can craft policies to ensure they have the safest but happiest childhoods possible.

Yearly reports from the Children’s Commissioner are an important moment when we can see if our ambitions are matched by reality.

This year’s report from Professor Sally Holland should be a spur to action. It reminds us that those in poverty, who are being looked after, or who suffer mental health problems are still denied the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

It is inevitable that children and young people whose lives are hit by ill-health, personal disasters or family impoverishment will face mighty challenges. Wales will never be a utopia free of sickness or material hardship.

But we must renew our determination to build a country of equals in which these obstacles are not allowed to crush the chances of a prosperous and happy life.

With the right leadership gamechanging support can be provided. We can scan the world for the best examples of how the right kind of help can liberate young people from factors that would hold them back.

And if we do not find policies and programmes that meet the needs of our most vulnerable children, then we can develop these ourselves. What is the point of devolution if it is not to pioneer made-in-Wales solutions to our thorniest problems?

It is absolutely clear that dramatic improvements in young lives will not take place by accident. Decisive action is required at all levels of government and the public services.

The task of helping those in greatest need also requires the efforts of individuals and organisations that are not part of the state. Relatives, neighbours, churches and charities already make invaluable contributions to the lives of Wales’ children. Everyone who volunteers with a Scout group or a sports club or a choir where young people make friends, grow in confidence and gain skills is building for a better future.

Policy-makers need to support those who are already doing tremendous work, take on board their feedback, and equip them to help those who would benefit the most from assistance.

In particular, efforts are required to support young people with additional learning needs. Mental health support needs to be delivered at the earliest possible stage and in the most appropriate setting.

The children of Wales will never enjoy a truly level playing field, but we can bulldoze many barriers. The Western Mail newspaper is published by Media Wales a subsidiary company of Trinity Mirror PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. The entire contents of The Western Mail are the copyright of Media Wales Ltd. It is an offence to copy any of its contents in any way without the company’s permission. If you require a licence to copy parts of it in any way or form, write to the Head of Finance at Six Park Street. The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2014 was 78.5%