The impact of Labour on policies for children and young people in Wales

This contribution outlines the importance of devolution for policy initiatives relevant to Welsh children and young people including some of the issues that existed prior to devolution regarding appropriate policies for Wales. It goes on to consider the reality of the devolution settlement in relation to legislative powers, giving examples such as the Children's Commissioner for Wales and secondary legislation such as prohibiting the physical chastisement of children by childminders. It also considers the approach of the Welsh Assembly Government to matters such as partnership working, transparency, openness and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It concludes with a focus on the challenge of implementing the pioneering policy aspirations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.