17 September 2008
An innovative new website to help councils lift children out of poverty has been launched today (Wednesday 17 September) by Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons.
The ‘Child Poverty Solutions Wales’ website offers support and advice services to councils and their partners ranging from a self assessment toolkit for monitoring success in tackling child poverty to guidance in developing statutory children and young people plans.
Training modules for elected members will also help them understand the causes and effects of child poverty and how local authorities can work with other organisations to tackle the issues.
The bilingual site is the first of its kind in Wales and has been developed by Save the Children in Wales and the Welsh Local Government Association and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Launching the toolkit today at an integrated children’s centre in Pontypridd, the Minister said: “Tackling child poverty is at the very top of our agenda for this third term, it is fundamental to future prosperity of Wales and to the health and well being of its people. “
“Local authorities and their partners are at the forefront of our shared aim of reducing child poverty and improving the life chances of our most disadvantaged children and young people. By working in partnership across the public sector in Wales I am confident that we can make further progress on what is an issue of social justice.” 
“This website will not only help local authorities to understand their role but also measure how they are progressing in tackling child poverty, learn from each other and determine what further action they need to take. I hope that local authorities across Wales use this website and work with their local partners to develop policies that will make a real difference to the lives of our most disadvantaged children and young people.”
Eleri Thomas, Interim Programme Director for Save the Children in Wales said: "Poverty scars the lives of too many children in Wales. Save the Children believes that local government and their partners are key to helping the UK and Welsh Assembly Government meet the child poverty target of eradicating child poverty by 2020. This website is the first of its kind in Wales and will help local councils and their partners to meet the challenges of tackling child poverty locally.”
Cllr Russell Roberts (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Improvement spokesperson said: “Every child in Wales deserves the best start chances in life and the opportunity to live life to his or her full potential. Tackling child poverty is a key priority for every council in Wales and this toolkit shows local authorities’ seriousness and commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the most vulnerable children and young people across their communities. Furthermore, it is an example of real partnership working at its best with all partners working towards the same goal in delivering responsive services for those people who need them most.”
For further information visit: www.childpovertysolutions.org.uk. The site will be live on Wednesday 17 September 2008.
Ends
For further information contact:
Welsh Assembly Government (Press): Adam Butcher- Tel: 029 2089 8203 or e-mail: Adam.Butcher@Wales.gsi.gov.uk
Save the Children (Press): Eurgain Haf - Tel: 029 20 803 265 or e-mail: E.Haf@savethechildren.org.uk
WLGA: Natasha Weeks (Press): Natasha Weeks- Tel: 029 2046 8673 or e-mail: natasha.weeks@wlga.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
o The website is being launched at the Rhydyfelin Integrated Children's Centre in Holly Street, Pontypridd at 2pm on Wednesday 17 September.
o The toolkit has been tested in two local authority areas, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Gwynedd. However, the tools on the site can be used are adaptable by every local authority in Wales.
o The site will help local authorities learn from each other and identify how all service departments within councils, from housing to economic development can contribute to this important social agenda.
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks