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Helping young people succeed
27/04/2009
New guidance and principles underpinning how all agencies in Scotland can help young people to fulfil their potential were launched today.
'Valuing Young People - Principles and connections to support young people achieve their potential' will help schools, teachers, community groups and other agencies work together to involve young people in decision making and provide more joined-up services.
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:
"We know how important Scotland's young people are to our country's future success. By creating more opportunities for them and boosting their life chances we will lead to benefits for communities and our economy.
"It's crucial that we promote the positive contribution young people make to Scotland while ensuring services reflect the reality of their lives and address barriers that stand in the way of them reaching their potential.
"That's why Valuing Young People will help foster a joined-up approach, based on aspirational principles which allow our young people to flourish."
A wide range of national organisations, including the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS),Young Scot and NHS Scotland have already agreed to adopt the principles of Valuing Young People, which was launched at a Dundee youth centre run by the charity Fairbridge.
Ms Hyslop added:
"We have worked together with young people and a wide range of organisations to develop this framework, which genuinely reflects the best good practice and the experience of those of experts in delivering effectively for young people and understanding their needs. The Fairbridge centre in Dundee is a fantastic example of what can be achieved."
Youthlink Scotland Chief Executive Jim Sweeney said:
"We warmly welcome the publication of Valuing Young People. The framework ultimately provides a matrix of opportunities and supportive interventions that will help engage young people and give them social and learning environments where they can achieve their full potential benefiting themselves and society in the process."
Fairbridge in Scotland Director Tom Watson said:
"Fairbridge in Scotland welcomes the new national framework and the principles it establishes for those working to ensure that all young people have the best opportunity to become successful learners, effective contributors, responsible citizens and confident individuals.
"These capacities form the day to day focus for the services that Fairbridge and others in the youth work sector provide."
Valuing Young People: Principles and Connections to Support Young People Achieve Their Potential reflects the new relationship between central and local government in Scotland under this administration. It was developed in conjunction with a wide range of stakeholders.
Fairbridge is a charity which helps encourage young people by offering them a unique combination of personal support and opportunity.