Peter Clarke has been the children's commissioner for two years

The proposals, to be outlined in a green paper on Monday, will put forward ways of improving accountability between different agencies involved with children.

Peter Clarke, children's commissioner in Wales for two years, welcomed the possibility of a similar role in England, and appointments in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, he said the position "can't change everything".

"It's important for everybody to understand that the children's commissioner isn't a solution to all our problems in one go.

"There is no substitute for proper, well-run services for children."

The Welsh children's commissioner role is based on a Scandinavian model developed in the 1980s.

The office responds to complaints from children and provides a platform for their concerns and those of their parents.

The post was created after a report by Sir Ronald Waterhouse in 2000 about the abuse of children over a period of 20 years across north Wales.

'Stern letters'

Two Acts of Parliament control the commissioner but he is independent from government.

He also has statutory powers to gain information from authorities about children.

By hook or by crook we aim to make sure that we pick up what is concerning children themselves Peter Clarke Welsh children's commissioner

Mr Clarke has never had to use the statutory powers, but "I've had to write some stern letters on occasion reminding people that I do have them.

"So far, two years in, I've had very good collaboration with people. But the legal powers are there and if I have to use them on behalf of children, I jolly well will. "

Mr Clarke talks to children himself, by visiting such places as schools and youth clubs.

"A key element is that I spend a lot of my time actually listening to children and young people and finding out what they think about services that are there for them, and literally re-presenting that to the people who make decisions, the people in authority and the general public. "

Biggest challenge

His staff also travel the country to find out what concerns children, as well as talking to other adults who work with them.

"By hook or by crook we aim to make sure that we pick up what is concerning children themselves," Mr Clarke said.

"That is one of the biggest challenges and it will certainly be one that the English commissioner will face."

The Welsh commissioner currently has about 400 cases.

Last year he published a major report looking at the way in which social services departments in Wales dealt with complaints, particularly from children in care.

Recommendations from the report have been put in place, "and will improve the lives of children," Mr Clarke said.

The annual report highlighted the issue of child poverty in Wales, prompting the Welsh assembly to develop its own strategy.

The commissioner is also completing a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a teacher accused of abuse.