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Services for Young People in Surrey County Council is

Surrey County Council’s Services for Young People sit in the Children, Schools and Families Directorate and are lead by an Assistant Director. There are four strands that comprise the service – Connexions, Inclusion, Youth Justice Service and Youth Development Service.

Connexions Surrey offers advice and guidance for all 13-19 year olds regardless of need. Connexions Personal Advisers offer information, advice and practical help to support young people with issues ranging from careers choices, working and learning, to more personal matters such as relationships, health and housing.

The Inclusion service seeks to ensure that all young people in Surrey are included in schools and educational settings. Youth inclusion is the provision of opportunities that enable youth to fully participate in society and become adults. These opportunities include receiving quality education, decent employment, affordable housing and the power to shape their communities.The service has a policy of ‘Inclusion not exclusion’ driven by the Government’s Children and Young People’s Plan 2006-2009.

The Youth Justice Service seeks to prevent offending by children and young people, specifically those aged between 10-17, by reducing the risks associated with offending behaviour and by strengthening protective factors in the lives of young people. His work is overseen and monitored by the Youth Justice Board.

The Youth Development Service works with people aged between 11 and 25 with a particular focus on 13-19 year olds to deliver effective youth work that addresses identified need. The service enables young people to make informed choices, acquire new skills and ensure their voices are heard through Youth Forums and Councils. The youth workers and officers provide support, advice and intervention to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

The service is currently undergoing a transformation in response to national reforms driving forward the ambition for authorities to achieve Integrated Youth Support Services (IYSS). Central to this is Targeted Youth Support (TYS), which aims to ensure all vulnerable teenagers receive integrated action and delivery from youth services.

Surrey County Council has initiated a Transformation Project in order to reform youth services to create a better integrated, preventative, targeted, local and cost effective service. Platforms such as GoSYP (Go Surrey Young People), focus groups, surveys and newsletter will be used to communicate and consult with all key stakeholders.