Youth Strategy
The City of Richmond has a long history of responding to the needs and aspirations of youth in Richmond. The actions outlined in the Draft 2022–2032 Richmond Youth Strategy (Draft Youth Strategy), demonstrate the City’s strong commitment to youth and recognition that the well-being of youth is best supported through community collaboration. The Draft Youth Strategy was approved in principle by City Council on October 11, 2022. Public engagement on the draft will take place between late February and March 31, 2023 prior to the Strategy being finalized.
Building on the progress made on the previous plans for youth in Richmond, including the 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan, the new Strategy will help to guide the City and those who work with youth while also furthering the City’s aspiration for “Richmond to be the best place in North America to raise children and youth.”
Framing the Draft Youth Strategy, the vision that “all youth in Richmond are safe, valued, respected and have the supports, opportunities, and resources to live rich and fulfilling lives” will inform the work over the next ten years.
The Draft 2022–2032 Richmond Youth Strategy consists of five strategic priorities and 34 recommended actions to be completed over a ten-year timeframe. The strategic priorities and accompanying actions were created in response to the themes identified during the analysis of community needs, best practices and various engagement activities. The strategic priorities clarify areas of focus and include actions that build on previous and ongoing work to achieve the described outcomes for youth. Specific targeted activities and initiatives will be identified in annual work plans to support the advancement of actions outlined in the strategy.
The Draft Strategy is organized into five strategic priorities:
Strategic Priority 1: Foundation
Youth have access to services and resources in the community that provide a foundation for wellness.
Strategic Priority 2: Voice
Youth are heard, valued and engaged as members of the community and their opinions and perspectives inform plans, programs and services that are important to them and impact their lives.
Strategic Priority 3: Collaboration
Youth are supported by an integrated and collaborative network of youth serving agencies, non-profit organizations, public partners and local government that work together to promote positive youth development.
Strategic Priority 4: Opportunity
Youth have equitable access to a wide-range of programs, services and initiatives that address their needs and support them to learn, develop and successfully navigate the various stages and transitions from early adolescence to young adulthood.
Strategic Priority 5: Awareness
Youth, their families and the broader community have access to information and resources and are aware of the services and supports available to youth in Richmond.
Comment on the Draft Youth Strategy
To provide input regarding the Draft Youth Strategy, take the survey, join our events and follow the hashtag!
Details can be found at www.letstalkrichmond.ca/draftyouthstrategy.
Information on the 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan: Where Youth Thrive can be found in each of the annual updates.
