A Revolution in Family Policy by Henricson Clem

Author:Henricson, Clem [Henricson, Clem]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family
ISBN: 9781447300533
Google: qtpkXIwfXIMC
Publisher: Policy Press
Published: 2012-09-26T04:29:23+00:00

Reflections

The evidence from these two leading examples of mismanaged target setting within the family policy field underwrites concerns that the target culture encouraged perceptions of New Labour failure. Campaigning and social welfare organisations, and other commentators, undoubtedly contributed to this as they single-mindedly and somewhat simplistically focused on the missing of self-imposed government targets. There was something of an habituation of the progressive agenda with social goods taken for granted and the request for more forming a repetitive refrain; the imposition of elusive and questionable targets fuelled this mind set and narrative of shortcomings.

It is noteworthy that, while most of the strategies for enhancement to family services proposed in The future of family services (Henricson, 2002) were indeed implemented, the scale of this achievement passed relatively unsung. It was quite a staggering achievement worthy of rather more accolade than it ever received.

For a future progressive government there are lessons to be learned. If targets are to be set, the logic for their imposition and the feasibility of their attainment should be verifiably established and clearly set out. The full range of possible external influences should be assessed and the dangers of the tendency of targets to skew services and undermine rather than support service processes should also be taken into account.

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