Although the Department for Education and Skills will not make youth services statutory, it has said they have an important role in meeting the requirements of the duty.
The duty will be enforced by legislation and backed up through inspections.
Beverley Hughes, the minister for children, young people and families, said youth services had not been made statutory because the Government is keen to give local authorities more control.
"The youth service is crucial," she said. "It will need to get much more experienced at working with other professions. It also needs to challenge young people when necessary."
The duty will be based on the services a local authority can offer young people. Each area will have to produce an "annual local offer" to young people, outlining what they can expect. Authorities will be assessed against this offer to see if it is meeting young people's requirements.
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