The document outlines Latvia's youth policy framework and the role of the Ministry for Children and Family Affairs. It discusses the laws and plans governing youth policy, the institutional structure for coordinating policy, and the Ministry's interventions to implement policy goals. These include developing policy documents, supporting municipal youth infrastructure, providing funding and guidance to youth organizations, conducting international cooperation, and ensuring youth participation in decision-making.

1. Youth policy in Latvia Andris Grafs The Ministry for Children and Family Affairs Director of Youth Affairs department May 2008

3. Institutional mechanism of youth policy at national level

10. Presently there are 527 municipalities in Latvia – 53 of them are regional town municipalities, 7 city municipalities, 35 amalgamated municipalities and 432 rural municipalities. The municipalities carry out youth policy within their competency on the local and regional level, exercising the autonomous functions set by the law “On Municipalities”. Important moments: Municipal youth affairs coordinators Strategy for youth policy Municipal youth affairs consultative commissions and boards Youth initiative, children and youth and free time centers in municipalities Municipal youth work

11. Voluntary work , participation Education (including non-formal education) and training Support to young families Culture National defence and patriotic education Employment and unemployment Social order and justice Diminishing of the social exclusion of the youth Social security of the youth Sports and wholesome leisure activities Health situation of the youth Main aspects in youth policy

12. The Ministry for Children and Family Affairs Youth Affairs Department Andris Grafs, [email_address] , 67356492 www.bm.gov.lv/jaunatnes politika