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Youth Green Paper
Youth Matters: Next Steps
Something to do, somewhere to go, someone to talk to
The Government wants to see all young people achieving the five Every Child Matters outcomes, with Children’s Trusts at the heart of their services.
Youth Matters, the Youth Green Paper, was published on 18 July 2005 and the subsequent consultation ended on 4 November 2005. With over 19,000 responses from young people, this is one of the largest responses to a Government consultation from any one group.
The Government response, Youth Matters: Next Steps was published on 8 March 2006 and sets out the vision for empowering young people, giving them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
Young people will have more choice and influence over services and facilities that are available to them. We also want to encourage young people to volunteer and contribute to their local community
Chief Executives and Directors of Children’s Services in local authorities have already received a letter from the Minister of State for Children and Families, Beverley Hughes, about funds of £115m being made available to them to make the vision a reality. Guidance on delivery of the Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) and the Youth Capital Fund (YCF) was published on the 8 March . At the same time the 10 Youth Opportunity Card pilot areas were announced. They will pilot the card over the next two years.
Information, advice and guidance services for young people will be more flexible and accessible. For young people experiencing difficulties there will be better-targeted support, coordinated by a lead professional. This is currently being piloted in 14 pathfinder local authority areas.
As authorities develop new and innovative ways of delivering services to young people it is hoped that, together, we can share these new ways of working with others to bring about real and positive change for young people.
Subject to Parliament, local authorities will need to ensure that young people have access to a wide range of positive activities, and secure for young people an appropriate offer of “places to go and things to do” that reflects the Government’s ambition for youth opportunities set out in the national standards.
Youth Matters: Next Steps forms part of the wider Government youth offer that includes better support for families, more youth friendly accessible health services and greater access to sports, culture and the arts.
To order publications in hard copy contact the Departments publications warehouse by either tel: 0845 60 222 60 textphone: 0845 60 555 60 or by e-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com quoting the relevant references below:
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Youth Matters: Next Steps (Reference: 0260-2006DOC-EN)
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Youth Matters: Next Steps: (Summary) (Reference: 0261-2006DOC-EN).
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Youth Matters: Next Steps: (Young Person’s version) (Reference: 0262-2006DOC-EN)
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Youth Opportunity Fund & Youth Capital Fund Guidance (Ref: 0282-2006DOC-EN)
More information and case studies are available at: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
Young people can also find out more by visiting: www.need2know.co.uk
Links to relevant information:
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The Respect Action Plan (Home Office)
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You’re Welcome & Our Health, Our care, Our say - Department of Health White Paper
We have also published:
