Keeping Track

In the context of policy concerns regarding social exclusion, a range of agencies has collected information on, and delivered services for, "vulnerable" young people. Technological developments enhance possibilities of linking information from different sources to "map" and "track" young people as they move between agencies and their activity status changes. This report outlines some of the advantages and limitations of "mapping" and "tracking" methodologies. It identifies examples of good practice and difficulties which agencies have encountered in building reliable, accurate, up-to-date and robust systems. Particular attention is paid to issues relating to resources, partnership working, data protection and information technology. "Keeping track": traces the changing nature of youth transitions; explores the concepts of "mapping" and "tracking"; outlines the results of a survey of activities of careers service companies ; presents pen portraits of a number of local tracking projects and discusses key issues emerging. This report is important reading for policy makers, practitioners and researchers concerned with social exclusion and the delivery of services to young people.
It is of particular relevance to those working in careers services, local authorities, the voluntary sector and others engaging in partnership at local level.