Family help package outlined
A package of measures to help vulnerable children and working parents was unveiled in the Queen's speech.
Help for disabled children and those with special educational needs was pledged, along with new laws to give parents more flexible leave. Also announced were reforms to the family justice system to speed up care proceedings and changes to the adoption system.
Her Majesty said the Government will “strive to improve the lives of children and families”.
Outlining a Children and Families Bill, she said: "My Government will propose measures to improve provision for disabled children and children with special educational needs. New arrangements will be proposed to support children involved in family law cases, reform court processes for children in care and strengthen the role of the Children’s Commissioner.
"Measures will be proposed to make parental leave more flexible so both parents may share parenting responsibilities and balance work and family commitments."