Discontinuation of the Connexions Service Delivery and the Subsequent Development of Local Government Policies in Birmingham

Possible Suggestions for Youth Support Measures in Japan

Abstract

　Currently, Japanese society is in dire need of eff ective social support for young people who are facing difficulties. As one example of efforts undertaken to this effect, the British government implemented Connexions services from 2001. Despite the national and international attention this policy has received, the British government chose to discontinue it in 2010. Subsequently, the service in question has become the responsibility of the local government. This study will examine the background of the decision to shift the delivery of the guidance services from national to local administrations and the resultant development of the youth support services in Birmingham. This paper is based on the data collected in one of youth service centers in Birmingham in summer of 2015 as well as from the relevant literature. The success of the policies implemented in the City of Birmingham suggests a promising direction for specifi c support measures, which may be applicable also in the Japanese context.