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Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

I have the instinct that perhaps we are coming to the end of this pre-legislative part of the Bill and will move on in more detail. As another of those who, sadly, could not take part at Second Reading, although I was there for quite a lot of the time, I also want to say how much I welcome almost everything in the Bill. One big thing is that at last there will be the opportunity to hear the children’s voice itself or through an advocate. I was particularly struck by what my noble friend Lady Meacher said. That side of preventive work, where there is a necessity for expertise and therapy, can be very useful. Above all, as the noble Lord, Lord Judd, said, there should be early intervention in almost every way before making a care order, which returns to what was said on the first amendment. On that basis, I hope to take part in the debate on some of the amendments, very much in the spirit of trying to improve things, and for a little more detailed thinking to go on before any amendment is agreed. As someone who is to take part in the audiology debate later today, I am hugely impressed, sitting here, by the improvement in the hearing aid facilities in this Room. Instead of straining like mad to hear what is being said, for the first time in a long time I can hear every word. For different reasons, I am very much in favour of all these amendments, particularly early intervention because of the social and financial costs. I agree entirely with the need to deal with that. I was at a meeting with my noble friend Lord Listowel where the point was made that you have to look at prevention because of the social and financial costs. But, at the same time, because you have failed—and we have failed—you also have to take action and do your best for those who have been failed. Along with my comments in praise of what Members of the Committee have said, I should also say that I have quite a lot more sympathy than I had at the time when I listened to the comments of my noble friend Lady Howarth. Above all, it often can be solved by a practical intervention, which we might think is silly and stupid, such as having a washing machine. The pressures can be so tough on some families.