The Roles & Impact of FARE Youth Workers & FLOs in Schools

Introduction

Schools are at the centre of our communities, yet many young people and families face challenges that make learning and daily life harder. FARE Scotland’s Youth Workers and Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) play a key role in helping children and families overcome these barriers. Their work goes far beyond support in the classroom. It is a relationship based, community focused approach that helps young people feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

Youth Workers: Supporting Young People Every Day

Youth Workers are a vital part of school life. Their work looks different in every school because it is shaped by the needs of the young people they support.

They help with literacy and numeracy, run group sessions and deliver qualifications such as Barista Skills, Employability Awards and Elementary Cooking. These opportunities are particularly important for young people who are disengaged and not currently attaining. It gives them a chance to experience success in ways that suit their strengths and interests.

As Katy Anderson, Head Teacher at Lochend Community High School, shared:

“There is a wide variety of qualifications that young people can access and that obviously enhances their opportunities in future life.”

But the role goes beyond qualifications. Youth Workers provide daily check-ins, crisis support, emotional regulation, drop-ins and one-to-one guidance. Many young people describe them as the adults they feel safest turning to.

Jenny Wainwright, Youth Worker at Hyndland Secondary School, explained it perfectly:

“My main goal is to be a good adult for young people. Not everyone has that one good adult.”

Youth Workers help young people settle into their day, understand their emotions and feel confident enough to take part in school life. Their consistent presence can be the difference between disengagement and success. 

Supporting Families Through FLOs

Family Liaison Officers work closely with parents and carers who may be facing challenges such as poverty, trauma, language barriers or unstable housing. They build trust, offer guidance and act as an approachable link between home and school.

As Kimberly Watson, FLO at Sunnyside Primary, said:

“I feel that every school should have a Family Liaison Officer. These families need that support.”

FLOs help families navigate issues that often sit behind low attendance or difficulties at school. They carry out home visits, provide emotional and practical support, help with routines and advocate for families at meetings or during placement requests.

Families often reach out to FLOs first because the support feels more informal and less intimidating. FLOs make sure no family has to face complicated processes alone and that parents and carers feel understood and included.

They also support children directly through one-to-one conversations, nurture groups and reassurance during times when life at home feels overwhelming. Their role brings stability and confidence to families who may be under significant pressure.

Working Together for Holistic Support and Meeting Growing Needs

When Youth Workers and FLOs work together, the support becomes truly holistic. Youth Workers build trusted relationships with young people while FLOs strengthen connections with parents and carers. Together they create consistency at home and in school.

As Chloe Smith, FARE Attainment and Skills Lead, explained:

“The FLO is the bridge between home and school. The Youth Worker builds the relationship with the young person.”

Schools across Glasgow are seeing rising emotional needs, increased anxiety and more families facing financial hardship. Many children struggle with routines, confidence and the lasting impact of the pandemic. Youth Workers and FLOs help meet these growing needs by offering the consistency, care and practical help that schools rely on.

Their combined work helps improve attendance, boost wellbeing and prevent small challenges from becoming much bigger issues.

Conclusion

Youth Workers and Family Liaison Officers make a lasting difference in Glasgow’s schools. Their work is compassionate, adaptable and rooted in strong relationships. They help young people learn, feel safe and build confidence, while supporting families through difficult moments and complicated systems.

Their impact can be seen in improved attendance, stronger wellbeing and more positive futures for young people. As the needs of children and families continue to grow, the role of Youth Workers and FLOs has never been more important. They strengthen entire school communities and help create opportunities that truly change lives.

Want to learn more? Read the full report here!