MP’s ‘frustrated’ by Government’s ignorance of childhood trauma

Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, said:

“The Government Response to our Report is inadequate. It is extremely frustrating to see the Government largely dismiss our recommendations, opting instead to list existing programmes and shifting responsibility onto local authorities. We already know that this isn’t working as well as it could or should be.

“Early intervention offers young people who have suffered adversity in their childhood an opportunity to avoid the long-term problems associated with such experiences. When delivered effectively, there is strong evidence that early intervention can dramatically improve people's lives, whilst also reducing long-term costs to the Government.

“During our inquiry, we saw examples of good practice being delivered around the country, but a national strategy with co-ordinated support for local authorities could see the transformative benefits of early intervention offered to all children who need it, irrespective of where they live.

“We now hope to work with the new Government Inter-ministerial group – set up to support families with young children – and have asked them to reconsider our Report. The evidence we have gathered presents a valuable opportunity for evidence-based early intervention to address childhood adversity, transforming lives for the better and saving taxpayers’ money in the process.”