Evidence Based Youth Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Evidence Based Youth Policy - Essay Example The necessity for systematic investigation on youth issues headed to an array of activities within the Council of Europe. The "Recommendation 92 (7)" of the Committee of Ministers specifies three broad objectives for youth policy. The White Paper of Commission "A new impetus for European youth" deals elaborately about the priorities of youths and proposes following objectives: For timely, sustainable and efficient policy making, it is necessary to formulate a qualitative, relevant and coherent knowledge in the youth area in Europe and anticipate future requirement through dialogue, exchange and networks; Identify - including at regional and local level - knowledge in priority field of the youth area namely, information, participation and voluntary activities and carry out measures to update, supplement and ease access to it; In next stage identify - including at regional and local level - knowledge in more important field of interest to the youth area, like health, employment, education and training, non-formal learning, fight against discrimination, and carry out measures to update, supplement and ease access to it; In 2003 European Commission and Council of Europe agreed to increase co-operation for evolving a better and common knowledge basis in the youth area by gathering research knowledge and networking in order to enhance educational practice and European youth policy. On the basis of the above guidelines Malta formulated a National Youth Policy in 2004. It incorporated various aspects of young people field such as social, personal, spiritual and political development of youth within a holistic perspective. In other words, the youth policy is meant to encourage an integrated manner, youth's social, economic and cultural positions, like access to advice and information, education, employment, health, housing and leisure. The final goal of this National Youth Policy is to promote youth participation in society and to train them for a dynamic form of citizenship. The State (Republic of Malta) recognises the role of the National Youth Council (an autonomous body representing youth organisations), Youth Studies Programme (University of Malta), Youth Centres, Non-Governmental Organisations and other youth groups. This national youth policy sets a broad parameter within which young people work should be accomplished. In general, the term 'evidence based youth policy' refers to a practice that has been adopted after evaluating it with rigorous scientific techniques, particularly experimental studies utilising random assignment and is applicable on young people between the ages of 14 - 30. However, Malta's National Youth Policy also recognises various stages of youth, from pre-adolescence to adulthood. The term 'disadvantaged youths' means those young people who faces discrimination due to their socio-economic, religious, health or educational backgrounds. This policy has a holistic approach of youth aspirations and development but here we shall focus to State's policy in the field of health. Health The State follows a holistic perspective of health which does not only incorporate therapy and cure but also primary health care, promotion and prevention. It contains the broader spectrum of mental, physical and