National service framework for children: Framework shows a new vision of health, in life

doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7476.1239-b

BMJ 2004;329:1239 (20 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7476.1239-b

Letter

National service framework for children

Framework shows a new vision of health, in life

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—Lachman and Vickers grasp both the context andthe opportunity of the national service framework for children.¹Before the framework, the Children's Tsar saw the fundamentalconstraint on change: "The English don't value childhood."²But in terms of poor adult health, lifecourse research has consistentlyshown that the environment, experience, and capacity for learningin childhood set the scene for future illness.³

I was unexpectedly moved by the section dealing with the mentalhealth of children and adolescents. Upfront, its focus was onthe wellbeing and development of children and young people inEngland. It particularly challenged professionals in every areaof practice to build genuine partnerships with children, youngpeople, and families. In other words, if things are to improvefor the whole population, children must cease to be invisible—theymust be seen, and heard, and listened to. Active participation,the sort of public involvement that makes . . . [Full text of this article]

Woody Caan, professor of public health

APU, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SQ a.w.caan@apu.ac.uk