News

Positive for Youth

Tuesday 20th December 2011

Yesterday the Government published its ‘Positive for Youth’ statement that brings together all policies for young people aged 13-19, including education, health and crime.

Positive for Youth: A new approach to cross-government policy for young people aged 13 to 19 was developed after consultation with young people and youth professionals and in partnership between nine government departments. It sets out a shared vision for how all parts of society – including councils, schools, charities, and businesses – can work together in partnership to support families and improve outcomes for young people, particularly those who are most disadvantaged or vulnerable.

There are eight key commitments, including funding a programme to support the 120,000 most troubled families, funding improved brokerage between businesses and projects for young people, and publishing a new set of national measures to demonstrate progress in improving outcomes for young people on an annual basis. Positive for Youth also mentions the Youth Contract, the recent Government initiative to address youth unemployment.

Young people will be involved in all stages of making decisions and measuring progress. There will also be a new Youth Action group comprising government ministers and key voluntary sector leaders which will discuss the needs of disadvantaged young people. This theme of collaborative working between all agencies is constant throughout the statement; everyone must play their part to ensure young people can have supportive relationships, strong ambitions and the opportunities to realise their potential.

Leap welcomes Positive for Youth, especially the Government’s commitment to strengthening relationships between the voluntary sector, communities and businesses. We also welcome the recognition that the voluntary (and youth work) sector has in providing expertise at supporting young people, especially those with more chaotic lifestyles. Building trusting relationships and strengthening communities are essential for young people to be able to achieve their potential.

Leap supports NCVYS’ statement which calls for every government department and every local authority that is Positive for Youth to publish their own ‘youth action plan’. This action plan should involve young people in the identification of priorities to be addressed, be matched with political backing at Ministerial or Lead Member level and must allow for young people to steer its implementation.

More information on Positive for Youth can be found on the Department for Education’s website.