EXPERTS will discuss the challenge of ensuring the well-being of children in the present financial climate at a major conference in Newport next week.

Children in Wales is a national umbrella organisation for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals who work with young people.

Its annual policy conference will provide essential information on addressing the key priorities of improving the well-being and outcomes of children and young people, combating child poverty and social exclusion.

Policy makers, planners, managers and practitioners will be brought together on Tuesday and Wednesday to hear a wide range of speakers.

They will include Eric Marlier, who chaired the EU task force on child poverty and well-being which produced an influential report endorsed by all 27 member states last year.

Children's minister Jane Hutt and Tracey Lee, Newport city council's managing director, will also speak.

On the second day, Children in Wales will provide a platform for the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Dr Brian Gibbons, minister for social justice and local government, will outline the objectives of the year and take questions.

The remainder of the day will focus on what is emerging from the Assembly to help professionals measure and improve the well-being of children in Wales.

Catriona Williams, chief executive of Children in Wales, said: "Children have the right to meet their full potential and it is up to policy makers to ensure that resources are being used to best effect.

"We know that investment in young children produces major long-term gains for the country as a whole as well as for individual children and young people."