The National Assembly for Wales has reiterated its commitment to leading the way in the UK on improved services for children.

Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services, Jane Hutt has spoken out on the unique appointment of a Children's Commissioner for Wales, new laws affecting children leaving care and the 'Children First' programme, which takes forward the Assembly's response to the Waterhouse Report into the North Wales child abuse scandal.

"With the appointment of our Children's Commissioner and the wider legislative powers that are due to come into place, we have an opportunity to bring about a change in the status and priority given to our children and young people. We are leading the way in the UK," she said.

The minister was addressing the annual meeting of Children in Wales, a charity that aims to help develop services for vulnerable youngsters, including children in care and care leavers.

On the Children First initiative, Ms Hutt said: "Children First aims to transform the management and delivery of social services for children in need, including those who are looked after. It consists of three themes: listening to children, better services for children and better safeguards.

"Local authorities in Wales should listen to the views of children, young people and their families, and draw on their experiences in planning and delivering services.

"I am pleased to say that there is evidence of good practice in an increasing number of local authorities.

"The Children (Leaving Care) Act complements the Children First Programme and adds weight to our drive to tackle the desperately poor outcomes for care leavers identified in the Review of Children's Safeguards and Lost in Care."