Extending Entitlement

The National Assembly for Wales has committed themselves to developing policies for young people. The Assembly gained new powers to support young people following a ‘Learning & Skills Bill' that was agreed in 2000, which included a special section for Welsh systems to support young people.

The Assembly then put together 10 Entitlements for young people, which would be used as the guide for all services to follow. The Entitlements aim to support young people through a range of services that provide opportunities to achieve and develop as individuals.

Entitlements:
Every young person in Wales has a basic entitlement to:

1. Education, training and work experience –to suit young peoples needs
2. Basic skills which open doors to a full life and help include young people
3. A wide and varied range of opportunities to participate in volunteering and active citizenship
4. High quality services and facilities that are easy to access/use
5. Independent, specialist careers advice and guidance and student support and counselling services
6. Personal support and advice – where and when needed and in appropriate formats - with clear ground rules on confidentiality
7. Advice on health, housing benefits and other issues provided in welcoming settings
8. Recreational and social opportunities in a safe and accessible environment
9. Sporting, artistic, musical and outdoor experiences to develop talents, broaden horizons and promote rounded perspectives including national & international contexts
10. The right to be consulted, to participate in decision-making, and to be heard on all matters which concern them or have an impact on their lives

In an environment where there is:

• A positive focus on achievement overall and what young people have to contribute
• A focus on building young people's capacity to become independent, make choices, and participate in the democratic process, and
• Celebration of young peoples successes