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An evaluation of the second phase of the Neighbourhood Support Fund projects (which sought to re-engage disaffected young people aged 13-19) managed by the Community Development Foundation has confirmed  the importance of community approaches to engaging young people.  Two publications are available: re-engaging young people - the final evaluation report, and 'our kids, our communities' - a practical guide based on case studies. 

The government has hinted at a new round of sanctions and perks for services and practitioners working with children, based on their readiness to intervene earlier and to work with the most challenging families.

Responding to evidence from voluntary and statutory agencies to a policy review of children and young people, the Treasury has promised to consider what can be done to "incentivise" providers to use their resources to help children and parents at the earliest possible opportunity and to "incentivise" workers to engage with families who are difficult to work with.

Comprehensive database of UK legislation - An official, authoritative online database of UK legislation goes live. [Voluntary Sector news]

Local Authorities now required to provide positive activities for young people under Section 6 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

From 8 January 2007 local authorities are required to provide positive activities for young people.  The statutory guidance published today requires local authorities to.

Secure access for young people to 'positive activities'

The national standards for positive activities outlined in the guidance includes:

• Access to two hours per week of sporting activity
• Access to two hours per week of other constructive activities in clubs, youth groups and classes which contribute to their personal and social and spiritual development
• Opportunities to make a positive contribution to their community
• Recreational, cultural and sporting experiences
• A range of safe and enjoyable places in which to spend time.

Take account of young people's views on activities and facilities available to them

Section 6 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 introduces important new duties on local authorities regarding positive leisure time activities for young people; including the duty to secure access for young people to sufficient positive activities.

Statutory guidance covering these duties has been produced and the Department for Education and Science would welcome your views on this guidance,

see the document here

This research report looks at young drivers' perspectives on good driving and learning to drive. link to report here 

This report presents the first findings from the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey. It focuses on levels and trends in youth offending, anti-social behaviour and victimisation among young people aged from 10 to 25 living in the general household population in England and Wales.

The survey does not cover young people living in institutions, including prisons, or the homeless, and thus omits some high offending groups - link to report here.

The BT Community Connections Awards Scheme is a nationwide award scheme that connects local community and voluntary groups to the internet. Since 2000, the scheme has awarded more than 4,600 internet-ready PCs to community and voluntary organisations. In 2006/7 over 1,300 awards will be made to groups who can demonstrate how a PC and internet connection will benefit their work and the local community. The closing date for entries to the 2006/7 scheme is Thursday 15 February 2007.

For more information about how to apply for an award click here

Third sector review and Delivery Action Plan - More details on The future role of the third sector in social and economic regeneration - interim report' and 'Partnership in Public Services: an Action Plan for Third Sector Involvement'. [Voluntary Sector news]