Last week's report, United for children?, which analyses how devolution has affected children's policy in the UK since its introduction four years ago, says it is an opportunity to bring policymaking closer to children, young people, families and communities and make it more effective. 'If good communication can be developed, devolution will help us all to learn from each other across national boundaries,' it says.
The report describes the approach taken by Wales, the first country in the UK to appoint a children's commissioner, as 'one of the most notable features of the evolving children's policy landscape in the UK'. Caroline Abrahams, NCH policy director, said, 'What's interesting is that Wales has had far less power devolved to it, but seems to have embraced the role more avidly.'
The report says Northern Ireland seemed most closely allied to Wales, particularly in its emphasis on promoting children's rights and participation, but has been hindered by the suspension of its Assembly since last autumn.
However, the Scottish Parliament, which has a different legal system and is able to pass primary legislation, is criticised for not making enough use of its powers to implement social and economic change. The report says, 'There has been no coherent or consistent programme of reform and although they have fewer powers, the Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies have arguably been more successful in stamping their authority on policy and challenging the UK government's control.'
After devolution Scotland placed an emphasis on investing in education rather than social care, the report says, and social work departments are 'a very weak and threatened force'.
England's approach to policy, the report says, is 'one of some incoherence, reflecting the different views and interests that jostle for dominance within Westminster'. This 'results in policy for children and young people being very mixed, with some parts much better than others'.