A pioneering method of assessing and intervening to improve infant mental health and family or carer relationships has made its way to Croydon – from New Orleans, via Glasgow.

In my address to the conference I announced the publication of the Association of Directors of Children's ‘Serviinsic value' and the sector has a responsibility to embrace it. But the system cannot be blind to the resources available and must recognise the role of the local authority if we are to truly improve the lives of our local communities.