The guiding framework to support the delivery of youth work services has been updated as of 21 January to include permitted uses of detached youth work in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus.
The guidance now states that youth work delivery should be delivered online and face-to-face support should only take place for the following purposes:
1) Providing support to education hubs for the children of key workers & vulnerable children and young people
2) Providing support for most vulnerable young people who do not have other means of support and cannot access support remotely. In circumstances where support to a vulnerable young person is required, this should be provided on a one-to-one basis with restriction measures in place.
3) Using detached youth work in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus.
Detached youth work is permitted to take place in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus. This involves CLD and youth work practitioners engaging with groups of young people who are congregating outdoors, with the objective of educating young people on the risk of COVID-19 to themselves, their families and the wider community and encouraging positive choices. Every effort should be made to direct young people to online services.