Youth Work Practice

This unit aims to provide a structural foundation for understanding the development and the dynamics of youth work. It will explore the evolution of youth work within a sociological and cultural framework that discusses the links between health, agency and empowerment, as well as a diverse range of youth work models that support and inform reflexive practitioners. Topics to be covered include the following: concepts of youth: historic and global development of the role of adolescence and the development of specific youth work practices; social, cultural and biological constructs of adolescence; social determinants of health in relation to resilience, risk and protective factors; constructs of marginalisation and disadvantage; identity, agency and empowerment; case studies of significant people who are agents of social change; models of youth work practice – treatment, reform, advocacy; settings and context of youth work.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the role of youth work within the broader context and politics of social change, considering the evolution of youth work in a wide range of social and cultural contexts;
2. Analyse specific scenarios or situations; and apply appropriate youth work models and approaches;
3. Analyse the risk and protective factors within a range of settings and environments;
4. Outline strategies to enhance the agency and empowerment of young people; and
5. Communicate critical thinking orally and in writing to problem solve a range of issues related to youth work practice.
6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.