The Welsh Assembly Government has set out the timetable for the development of its strategy, which was announced in May (YPN, 24-30 May, p5).
The strategy will establish a vision for youth work in Wales; the training, staff and resources that will be needed to support this; and how youth work fits into the wider Extending Entitlement reform of services.
The review has been welcomed by the youth work sector but questions have been raised about the amount of consultation that will be possible. A draft version of the strategy is supposed to be ready for discussion by 19 October, and the final version is due on 2 March next year.
The tight timings are due to the National Assembly for Wales general election, which is being held in May next year.
Tim Opie, policy officer for youth at the Welsh Local Government Association, said: "The timing is a concern, but we need to grasp this with both hands."
The initial consultation will take the form of a questionnaire. This will be sent to voluntary and local authority youth workers. Young people will also be encouraged to contribute.
www.wales.gov.uk.
