However, there is also emerging evidence to show that the process of integration of those services, in itself, can contribute to those positive outcomes, where the needs and involvement of young people are at the heart of that process.
This suite of standards supports local authorities as they strive towards the goal of better integration. It operates as a tool to help identify and implement the fundamental building blocks of effective integration and to help local authorities assess the quality, impact and value for money of their integrated provision.
The suite is made up of 15 standards that aim to cover the most important elements of integrated youth support. These standards and the indicators within them are designed to be used both as a self-assessment tool and as a way of gathering evidence that can be submitted for a National Award. As with other national awards, the standards framework is clear evidence of the rigour that has been used in developing services for young people.
Work on developing a unique Quality Mark designed specifically for integrated services for young people was initiated in response to a number of issues raised by colleagues working in a wide range of services for young people. Significantly, this work identified a need for external validation of quality across the wide range of services provided under the heading of integrated services for young people. There was a recognition that local authorities have to fulfil a number of statutory duties and implement a range of guidance in relation to integrated services for young people. However, there have been no nationally recognised arrangements for assessing the quality of that integrated approach.
This document fills that gap. It seeks to provide a framework that enables local authorities to assess the quality of their arrangements for providing integrated services for young people. It is designed for use as a self-assessment tool for those authorities at an advanced stage of integration and as a development tool for those who are at an earlier point on their journey. It can also be used to gain a National Award that validates the quality, impact and value for money of their integrated services for young people.
For more information or to buy a copy, email nya@nya.org.uk.
