Features

Policy in practice: Wise up on... integrated services

3 mins read Youth Work
Every local authority in England is required to have an integrated youth support service in place before the end of 2008. Tom de Castella explores what this means in practice and how it affects the delivery of youth work on the ground.

The Youth Matters green paper, published in 2005, called for integrated youth support services to be in place before the end of 2008 to help all young people achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes. Many local authorities in England are currently preparing to implement these services in the New Year, although there is still no definitive deadline.

Integrated youth support services (IYSS) are a response to the tragic case of Victoria Climbie, who died after repeated abuse from her guardians was not picked up by social services.

It involves bringing the different services that work with children and young people closer together. It is hoped this will ensure information is shared between different professionals and that young people can deal with staff whom they know. Integrated support covers the delivery of positive activities, information, advice and counselling, and targeted support for vulnerable teenagers. Service structures can be merged or local teams comprising a range of different professionals can be set up to work with the most challenging young people.

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