Reykjavík reorganises youth services to improve support and cut costs

Reykjavík is strengthening its leisure and social services for children and young people while reorganising its administration to improve efficiency, Hildur Björnsdóttir writes in a column published by mbl.is.

Several indicators suggest that a renewed effort is needed to support the country’s young people. The Icelandic Youth Study shows that the proportion of young people who rate their mental health as good is declining. Measurements have also repeatedly pointed to worsening educational outcomes, signs of increased alcohol consumption among young people and potentially declining social skills.

Björnsdóttir writes that more needs to be done in many areas, while good work is already being carried out in others and should be strengthened and highlighted.

Reykjavík operates extensive leisure and social activities for children and young people. Research has repeatedly shown that organised participation in such activities can have a positive effect on children’s self-image, social skills and educational performance, as well as significant preventive benefits. The effects are more positive when the activities are organised within a professional framework.

The city council recently approved changes to the administrative structure of the welfare department and the school and leisure department. The changes will be introduced in the coming months. Professional leadership and expertise previously spread across four independent administrative units will be brought together in one strong leisure affairs office.

The change is in line with the new city majority’s goals of providing stronger services for children and young people, as well as creating a more efficient and service-oriented administration.

Social centres and leisure centres will continue operating in their current form across the city. They are among the city’s strongest infrastructure for children and young people. Their activities are getting under way in full this autumn alongside the start of the school year, and children and young people are being welcomed to take part.

This summer, the new city majority decided to extend the opening hours of leisure centres to better meet the needs of families with children. It also decided to extend swimming pool opening hours at weekends so young people would have a good and constructive place to spend their evenings.

Such changes require funding, Björnsdóttir writes, but politics is about setting spending priorities. The aim was to move funds out of the system and closer to people.

Reykjavík’s financial operating environment calls for responsible decisions, and the city must respond to an anticipated operating deficit with clear measures. The administrative changes to the welfare, school and leisure departments are expected to produce annual operating savings of 900 million.

The goal is a simpler and more efficient administrative system, responsible financial management and strong, reliable services for children and young people in the city’s neighbourhoods.