History

Whilst our name is new, Children England has a proud history, having been originally established in 1942.

The Second World War stimulated reform in the way children were looked after, and experiences like evacuation and some high profile cases of child neglect and abuse, led to the Monckton Report and the 1948 Children's Act, which required a single local authority department to be responsible for the care of children "deprived of a normal home life". The Act recognised the role of voluntary organisations in providing child care, but gave the local authority powers to check that provision.

Anticipating these developments, some voluntary organisations felt they needed to make a common cause. In 1943 seven of them got together to form The Constituent Societies of the National Council of Associated Children's Homes. These original members were:

• Dr. Barnardo's Homes
• The Catholic Child Welfare Council
• The Church of England Children's Society
• The National Children's Home
• The Jewish Board of Guardians
• The Shaftesbury Homes and 'Arethusa', Training Ship
• The Children's Aid Society

In 1965 these seven organisations changed the name of their intermediary organisation to the National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations (NCVCCO) - the name the organisation continued to be known as until its recent change to Children England.

Five of the original founding members remain in membership, and there are other organisations currently in membership with historic links to the other two founders. Early on the organisation had recognised the regional structure of many organisations, and began to accept regional and local members in the 1970s. And during the sixties and seventies new voluntary organisations in the child care field were established. The pre-school play movement, children's rights, support for lone parents and self-help and community-based approaches were developments that resulted in new members.

In 2002 we celebrated our 60th anniversary with a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Cherie Blair and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon John Prescott. Since then the organisation has gone from strength to strength. 

In December 2008 NCVCCO changed its name to Children England - a name that is clearer, more memorable, reflects member's priorities and builds upon a proud legacy. Although the name has changed the organisation's values, mission and commitment to children's rights and the children, young people and families voluntary sector definitely have not.