Guidelines on setting minimum service delivery standards for youth outreach in the context of the Youth Guarantee

Young people who are detached from the labour market and disengaged from public support services pose a major challenge for inclusive youth employment policy. This publication provides practical guidance for Western Balkan economies implementing the Reinforced Youth Guarantee on designing and delivering effective outreach interventions in partnership with civil society organizations (CSOs). It sets out a four-stage model covering identification, contact, engagement and individualized support, supported by a framework for continuous monitoring and adjustment.

The publication highlights evidence-based planning, including NEET profiling and local resource mapping, as a basis for targeted outreach strategies. It also outlines criteria for outsourcing outreach to qualified CSOs, defines minimum service standards for each stage, and presents indicators for tracking individual progress and programme effectiveness. In addition, it specifies the competencies and responsibilities of youth outreach workers to help ensure consistent service quality. Its overall aim is to support national authorities and partners in building accountable, rights-based and youth-centred outreach systems that help disengaged young people move into employment, education or training.