Positive for Youth is a new approach to cross-Government policy for young people aged 13 to 19 in England. It brings together all of the Government’s policies for this age group, presenting a single vision across the interests of nine departments.
It has been produced with young people and youth professionals through extensive collaboration and consultation.
Positive for Youth sets out a shared vision for how all parts of society – including councils, schools, charities, businesses – can work together in partnership to support families and improve outcomes for young people, particularly those who are most disadvantaged or vulnerable.
This means working towards a common goal of young people having a strong sense of belonging, and the supportive relationships, strong ambitions, and good opportunities they need to realise their potential.
The Government is passionate about creating a society that is positive for youth. Young people matter. They are important to us now, and to our future, and we need them to flourish.
Monitoring progress
Young people must be in the driving seat to inform decisions, shape provision, and inspect quality.
The Government will work with young people and those who fund and deliver services for them to review progress, in realising the Positive for Youth vision and in improving outcomes for young people.
Councils are accountable primarily to local people for how well young people do, and how well their services support them.
Progress will focus wherever possible on measures of the positive effects on young people’s lives achieved rather than negative outcomes prevented.
The Government will publish annually national measures of young people’s positive outcomes. At the end of 2012 will carry out and publish an audit of overall progress towards creating a society which is more positive for youth.
A new Youth Action group will bring together government ministers, from nine departments, with key voluntary sector leaders to discuss the needs of disadvantaged young people.
