YOUNG people at risk from teenage pregnancy, drugs, or falling into crime are to be given extra support under a government scheme.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has signed up to give Targeted Youth Support (TYS) for nine to 25-year-olds, concentrating on those aged 13 to 19.

The council will work more closely with the police, social services, NHS and schools to assess young people’s needs and give them an individual package of help. One element will involve more workers using a type of needs assessment known as the common assessment framework (CAF). It is already being used widely with younger age groups, but is likely to be increasingly used by staff working with vulnerable teenagers.

It is hoped the new way of working will reduce the number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in education or employ-ment, and encourage them to take part in community activities.

Coun Chris Thayne, chairman of the multi-agency Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Trust, said: “The council and its partner organisations already offer a wide range of advice, support and practical help.

“We know from other excellent examples of joint working in the borough that better co-ordination between services will help the most vulnerable young people in Blackburn with Darwen to access the support they need at the time and place they need it.

“TYS will ensure part-ner agencies work even more closely together.”