Givan launches consultation on new direction for youth services
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has today launched a public consultation on a new draft policy setting out a strategic direction for youth services for children and young-people aged 4 to 25.
‘Stronger Futures – A Northern Ireland Youth Work Policy Statement’ has been co-designed with young people and aims to ensure that every child and young person in Northern Ireland has access to consistent, inclusive, and high‑quality youth provision in their community with support tailored to their needs.
Launching the consultation, Paul Givan said:
“Youth work is a vital part of education in Northern Ireland. It changes lives by building confidence, improving wellbeing, and helping young people succeed both in school and in life. But for too long, the system has been fragmented, under‑resourced in places, and not always designed around the very people it serves.
“Stronger Futures puts that right. This policy has been shaped by the voices of over 1,500 young people. It gives clarity on who does what, focuses on making better use of our existing buildings, budgets and people, and makes the case for preventative investment that delivers long-term savings across public services.
“Young people have been central to this policy from the start. The consultation opens with a young people's summary, and the final published version will carry a foreword written by a young person. That is how good policy is made.”
The draft policy is structured around six themes: Services; Evidence‑based assessment of needs and outcomes; Youth workforce; Funding and facilities; Structures and support; and Partnerships.
The Minister added:
“I encourage everyone with an interest in youth services to read the draft and share their views. This policy reflects what young people told us matters most to them: belonging, safety, opportunities, trusted adults, friendships, and a lifeline when they need it. Together, we can build stronger futures for the next generation."
The public consultation on the new draft policy is open from 10 June 2026 to 25 September 2026. Visit the consultation page https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-stronger-futures-northern-ireland-youth-work-policy-statement.
Notes to editors:
1. The draft policy is based on a review of Priorities for Youth (2013) and engagement young people, youth workers, and stakeholders.
2. A full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RQIA) and a Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) have been completed and are published alongside the consultation.
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