Education Minister 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 highquality youth provision in their
community with support tailored to their needs.
Launching the consultation, 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, underresourced 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;
Evidencebased 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.
