Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
First Report - Impact of Covid-19 on new parents: one year on
Petitions Committee
HC 479
Published 7 October 2021
Government response
First Special Report - Impact of Covid-19 on new parents: one year on: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report · published 7 Mar 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 13
Since last July, new and expectant parents have continued to face severe limits on the...
Conclusion
Since last July, new and expectant parents have continued to face severe limits on the formal and informal support for their wellbeing and their child’s development that they would normally expect. Following a further 12 months of restrictions, the cohort …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concerns by detailing significant investments, including 26 new hubs for integrated care, specialist perinatal mental health services nationwide, expansion of Mother and Baby units, and £100 million for bespoke mental health support for new and expectant parents.
9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 35
We welcome the Government’s confirmation of the increased Adoption Support Fund budget for 2021–22.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s confirmation of the increased Adoption Support Fund budget for 2021–22. We agree with our witnesses that long-term funding for this initiative should be made available, as part of comprehensive and ongoing support for adoptive parents to …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the Adoption Strategy includes proposals for improving adoption services, and an evaluation of the Adoption Support Fund's expanded scope was published. The findings from this evaluation and a wider internal review will be considered in future business planning and the Spending Review to inform ongoing support.
21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 67
We welcome the steps taken by the Government and the NHS to provide pregnant women...
Conclusion
We welcome the steps taken by the Government and the NHS to provide pregnant women with relevant information as the vaccine rollout continues and as social restrictions are eased. It is vital these efforts are maintained so that pregnant women …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the committee's welcome for their vaccination efforts by reiterating the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women, detailing various communication and awareness campaigns, and confirming that pregnant women are now a priority group for vaccination.