South West Regional Skills Enterprise and Employment Analysis 2007/2008

Final Report

4.14 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

4.14.2 Connexions

Connexions is the Government's support service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England. It also provides support up to the age of 25 for young people who have learning difficulties or disabilities (or both). Through multi-agency working, Connexions provides IAG and access to personal development opportunities for young people. It aims to remove barriers to learning and progression, and ensure young people make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life.

Connexions is currently undergoing a process of transition. Following the publication of Every Child Matters: Change for Children and Youth Matters (Youth Matters), Children's Trusts are being established in each local authority area and the funding that currently goes directly to each of the 47 Connexions partnerships will go directly to each of the 150 Local Authority areas by April 2008.

Local Authorities working under Children's Trust arrangements will be given responsibility and accountability to plan and commission integrated youth support services. The Government sees Connexions as making a vital contribution to future youth support services and expects Connexions to play a full part in Children's Trusts.

Youth Matters builds on the successful contribution made by Connexions partnerships in a number of areas - their focus on reducing the number of NEET young people, advocacy and support for young people, and on giving young people a prominent role in shaping and delivering services