BACKGROUND TO THE NI YOUTH WORK STRATEGY
In 2004 the Youth Service Liaison Forum identified the lack of a clear co-ordinated strategy for taking forward youth work in Northern Ireland.
In initiating the process of drawing up a youth work strategy, the Youth Service Liaison Forum agreed to carry out an initial consultation with those in the field to gather their views and ideas.
A draft strategy was drawn up based on the views of those who responded to the initial consultation.
The » Strategy « the first of its kind, was published in November 2005. The document highlights some of the main issues that affect the context which youth work currently operates, including needs, aspirations and rights of young people (aged 4-25), the background to public policy as it relates to youth work, and some of the other key issues and development affecting the youth service.
The Strategy describes a new vision and mission for youth work and the values that should underpin it. It also sets out the priorities and aims that need to be effectively taken forward over the next three years.
A sub-group of the YSLF has developed an Operational Plan for the delivery of the Youth Work Strategy. The Plan sets out priorities, operational objectives, the lead agency, and working groups responsible for achieving the relevant objectives.
PRIORITIES WITH THE STRATEGY
Priority areas have been drawn up under four key themes to guide the development of the Youth Service from 2005-2008 (2008 is not envisaged as an end date, work will continue into the next strategic period).
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Effective inclusive youth work |
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Participation |
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Resources and Funding |
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Implementation |
IMPLEMENTATION
The YSLF recognises that the Youth Work Strategy must be implemented effectively, with clear agreed responsibilities for taking forward each priority. To do this a Youth Work Strategy Implementation Group has been established, made up of members of the YSLF.
The Implementation Group has responsibility for developing appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures and reporting mechanisms for each of the working groups.
The YSLF recognises the need for the youth work sector, made up of voluntary and statutory bodies, to collaborate effectively to ensure that the strategy impacts positively on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.
The Strategy is an important step in creating a clearer more co-ordinating approach to youth work in Northern Ireland. This will being significant benefits to children and young people engaged in youth service projects, and those who work with them.
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