The report, United for children?, which analyses how devolution has affected children's policy in the UK since its introduction four years ago, says political devolution 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,' says the report.
But the Scottish Parliament, which has a different legal system than the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies and is able to pass primary legislation, is criticised for not making enough use of its powers to effect 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 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'.
Eveline Garden, assistant director of children's services for NCH Scotland, credited devolution with encouraging the statutory and voluntary sectors to work together. She said, 'There is more honest recognition and acknowledgement of the added value that each can bring to the development of integrated services for children.'
The report describes the approach taken by Wales, which has appointed a children's commissioner, as 'one of the most notable features of the evolving children's policy landscape'. Northern Ireland seems most closely allied to Wales, particularly in its emphasis on promoting children's rights and parti- cipation, but has been hindered by the suspension of its Assembly. England's approach to policy for children and young people is 'one of some incoherence', with some areas better than others.