Vital foundations of adult health are set down in prenatal life and early childhood. Childhood inequalities in physical, mental and emotional health are strongly associated with increased lifetime risk of poor physical and mental health in adulthood.

In terms of preventing ill-health and/or social disadvantage in the long term, the importance of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children and young people cannot be underestimated.

In Wales, the Welsh Government is fully committed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and has produced seven core aims for children and young people in Wales. The core aims describe the entitlement of children and young people to access educational and health services, and address their right to be listened to and to participate in the decisions that affect them; this includes being given the necessary information to make choices. The core aims should be considered and acted upon when creating or maintaining health services aimed at children and young people.

Children in Wales is the national umbrella membership body for organisations and individuals who work with children, young people and their families in Wales. The organisation contributes to the implementation of the UNCRC, advocates for sustainable services, ensures attention is focused on those most in need and marginalised and ensuring children and young people have a voice. The organisation meets these aims through the delivery of a number of activities including: training, network development, knowledge dissemination and undertaking research.