Programmes supporting youth social inclusion in Italy do not converge into a unified youth work framework. They remain transversal across different ministerial competences (par. 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3). Although unified legislation on youth work is absent (Chapter 10), numerous initiatives are promoted and managed by associations, volunteering organizations and the Third Sector .

These organisations in collaboration with local authorities (municipalities and regions) or through European and national funding, promote projects and interventions for youth inclusion. Although each Third Sector organization has its specialization and approach, interventions are based on involvement and direct activation of young people in projects aimed at enhancing employability, promoting social, educational and work integration, and fostering civil and political participation.

Informa Giovani and Youth Centres are the facilities most commonly providing services for social inclusion and protection of young people at local level.

Each Informa Giovani develops activities independently according to local territorial needs. Since 2007, a national coordination network has been established in connection with the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA), defining common standards and objectives for local services.

The Erasmus+ 2021–2027 programme, managed in Italy by the Italian Youth Agency (AIG), is a key funding mechanism for youth work activities linked to social inclusion. Under the Youth strand, the programme supports youth exchanges, mobility projects for youth workers and youth participation activities, with social inclusion as one of four cross-cutting priorities. The AIG coordinates implementation in Italy and supports organisations developing inclusive projects targeting young people with fewer opportunities.

AIG also manages the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), which offers young people aged 18–30 opportunities for solidarity activities with a strong social inclusion dimension.