Review for youth service guidance launched

A review of the guidance for local authorities which sets out how they should secure activities and services for young people has been launched by Civil Society Minister Mims Davies.

Davies said that the review will aim to focus attention on the positive role local authorities can play in the provision of youth services, and ensure the guidance is useful and accessible for those who need it most.

Many local areas have adapted new models of delivering services to deliver a broader range of quality services and it’s hoped the review will provide greater clarity of government’s expectations, including the value added by good youth work.

The review process will begin with a series of sector led roundtables, including the Youth Voice Steering Group which was set up following the publication of the Civil Society Strategy, the Local Government Association and the National Advisory Board of the National Youth Agency.

Davies said: “We need to ensure young people have the opportunities to develop new skills and have fun outside the classroom. We know access to youth workers and youth services transforms people’s lives and in some instances keep them safe. I want this key review to take into account social isolation in young people especially those who are most vulnerable like young carers. We do want new guidance that is fit for purpose and offers the potential to form new and lasting partnerships that benefit our young people now and in the future.”