Scope for targeted youth support pathfinders
The geographical scope of the targeted youth support (TYS) projects chosen by the pathfinder children's trusts varies from a couple of streets to a whole authority area. The issues they are tackling are similarly diverse, varying from alcohol misuse, low aspirations and antisocial behaviour, to looked-after children and the passing on of problem behaviours from generation to generation.
While they share many similarities, each of the pathfinder trusts faces a unique set of local issues and conditions - both in relation to young people and their families and in the way their services and agencies for young people operate.
The pathfinder trusts chose their scope, and are developing solutions, in response to these unique issues and conditions. This is not a prescriptive process. No one size fits all.
Most of the pathfinders are piloting TYS in smaller geographical areas with clearly defined issues, rather than their whole authority area. They report this helps to limit mistakes and maximise learning. This learning can then be used to drive a successful and well-supported roll-out across the whole authority area.
When choosing scope, children's trusts need to map other initiatives for young people and incorporate them into their TYS change process. This minimises duplication, builds on success and maximises the effectiveness of tools and skills.
It is vital that individuals and teams with responsibility for other initiatives are regularly communicated to and, when appropriate, included in the main TYS senior management group.
This page was last updated on 01 June 2006
