National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for youth work

The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for youth work is the first national standards framework to ensure and enhance quality youth services for young people.

The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) is primarily a support and development tool for youth work. It provides a structured framework for organisations to assess, indicate and enhance their work and will provide organisations an opportunity to articulate their youth work practice using a common language.

The net effect of the NQSF will be to identify and improve the effectiveness of youth work service provision, resulting in an advancement of good practice and allowing organisations to address the needs of young people to an even greater extent.

The rationale for the development of the NQSF is:
• to provide a support and development tool to youth work organisations and projects
• to establish standards in the practice and provision of youth work
• to provide an enhanced evidence base for youth work
• to ensure resources are used effectively in the youth work sector, and
• to provide a basis for “whole organisational assessment”.

The NQSF, which will operate on a 3-yearly cycle, is being introduced nationally on a phased and incremental basis commencing in September 2010. All staff-led youth work organisations, services, projects and programmes funded under the following schemes administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will come under its remit:

• Youth Service Grant Scheme
• Special Projects for Youth
• Young Peoples’ Facilities and Services Funds 1 and 2, and
• Youth Information Centres.

Support and guidance for local youth work services will be provided by the local VEC (Youth/Liaison) Officer.  National youth work organisations will be supported by a NQSF Standards Officer.

Introducing the National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for Youth Work SUMMARY

An Creat um Chaighdeáin Cháilíochta Náisiúnta (CCCN) d'Obair don Óige á chur i láthair ACHOIMRE

National Quality Standards Framework for Youth Work

An Creat um Chaighdeáin Cháilíochta Náisiúnta (CCCN) d’Obair don Aos Óg

If you have any queries on the attached please contact:

Conor Rowley
Assessor of Youth Work
Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 674 3248
Email: conor_rowley@health.gov.ie