The jargon
Local authority is another name for the local council. Local authorities (including county councils, London boroughs and unitary authorities) have responsibility for children's services.
Every Child Matters (ECM) was the government's formal response to the death of Victoria Climbié, and led to the Children's Act in 2004. The act underpins the ECM agenda for the well-being of children from birth to age 19. Its five outcomes are: be healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution; achieve economic well-being.
Children's services usually comprise education and social services, under a single local authority department that provides for the general wellbeing of children and young people.
Children's trusts are local partnerships which bring together agencies, such as youth justice, health, schools and the third sector, and jointly develop local strategies for improving children's lives. In some areas they are known as the children and young people's trusts (CYPTs).
The director of children's services is the head of the department, with responsibility for managing and overseeing the integrated services. They also chair the local children's trust.
Children's trust boards lead the children's trusts and are comprised of representatives from these agencies, including schools. They meet regularly and consult on priorities for action.
Children and young people's plans set local priorities for improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Local safeguarding children boards are responsible for coordinating work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to protect them from abuse and neglect.
Primary care trusts (PCTs) commission primary and community services. Services may be provided from within the PCT or by other local service providers. They are among the key players involved in children's trusts.