The Youth Service in Wales refers to the framework by which youth work is delivered and is done through the local authority, major voluntary youth organisations and through independent local projects.
Youth work involves the education and development, both social and personal, of young people aged between 11 and 25 years (particularly those aged 13 to 19 years) and is delivered in a variety of settings including youth clubs, residential settings, in information, advice and counselling centres, on the streets and in various public locations where young people meet and through special issue-based projects etc.
Youth work is a distinct profession with its own qualifications framework and national occupational standards (NOS), with local authority provision dating from the 1930’s and has an important part to play in the provision of youth support services. Young people; youth work, Youth Service: National Youth Service Strategy for Wales is the Welsh Assembly Government’s vision for the Youth Service in Wales.
Relationships with young people are based on voluntary engagement and underpinned by the four pillars in the Youth Work Curriculum Statement for Wales - Educative; Expressive, Participative and Empowering.
“The Maintained Youth Service…has an essential role in providing a wide range of informal and accredited opportunities for young people to engage in community participation” Learning Pathways 14-19 Guidance, 2004.
For more information contact: Tim Opie