Masterplan to help young people launched by Government

THE Welsh Government this week launched its Children and Young People’s Plan.

The plan, developed in consultation with children and young people, outlines seven cross government priorities for the next four years to support them and nine milestones they want to eventually hit.

Attending the launch with Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan and First Minister Mark Drakeford, a group of teenagers explained some of the changes they want.

Launching the plan Julie Morgan said it sets out work already underway and what Welsh Government will do in the next 12 months.

The plan aims to ensure all children, regardless of background:

Will have best start in life.

Will be treated fairly.

Will be supported through education, training and (self) employment.

Will be supported to help feel mentally and emotionally strong.

Will be supported to have a fair chance in life.will have a good and secure home to live in.

Will receive the support they need to stay together or come back together with their family, if possible.

Each year Ministers will measure and report on how the actions in the plan are helping them reach the nine milestones, laid out in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The nine milestones to help children that the Welsh Government wants to achieve by 2050:

The percentage of children with two or more healthy behaviours will be more than 99%

75% of working age adults will be qualified to level three or higher

The percentage of working age adults with no qualifications will be 5% or below

Wales will only use its fair share of the world’s resources

The pay gap for gender, disability and ethnicity will be eliminated

The gap between the employment rate in Wales and the UK will be eradicated, with a focus on fair work and raising labour market participation of under-represented groups

At least 90% of 16-24 year olds will be in education, employment or training

Wales will have a million Welsh speakers

Wales will achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions

Speaking to some of the young people involved in the development of the plan, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said:

“We want all children and young people, regardless of where they live in Wales or their backgrounds, to have the best start in life and to live the lives they want to live.

“But we cannot do it on our own. That is why we asking you and everyone in Wales to work with us. Together, we can deliver this plan for the children of Wales.

“I am particularly grateful to the children and young people whoy gave their views on the priorities while we were writing this plan.”