The National Foundation for Educational Research has set up an online guide to the Government’s Every Child Matters agenda. It brings together legislation, research, resources and publications on integrated services for children. It provides information on the Children Act; the five outcomes (be healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution; achieve economic well-being); multi-agency working; vulnerable children and young people; consultations with children, young people and families; and extended schools.

www.nfer.ac.ukresearch-areaschange-for-children. NFER’s information service for local authorities, EMIE, has also compiled information.

www.nfer.ac.ukemie

Birmingham, which has a higher proportion of children and young people than any other major city in Europe, has put its children and young people’s plan out to consultation. www.birmingham.gov.ukchildrenservices

Brook, the sexual health charity, has raised the alarm about government proposals which could compel health professionals to report underage teenagers’ sexual activity to social workers and police. They warn it could spark a “massive increase” in teenage pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections. Others say it would help protect sexually-active children from abuse. Consultation on the draft guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, closed last week.

Children are having to share a bedroom with parents or sleep in kitchens, dining rooms and hallways because of cramped conditions in social housing, a survey by Shelter, the homelessness charity, has found. Its latest report, Full House, says the health, education and future chances of one in 10 children in England are being blighted by such overcrowding. Shelter’s Million Children Campaign aims to put pressure on the Government to build 60,000 more homes by 2011.

www.england.shelter.org.uk