Youth work: preparation for practice

Professional practice is at the heart of youth work training but integrating the theory learned in class with the reality of placements can sometimes require extra support. This comprehensive textbook is designed to help students working with young people become competent and ethical practitioners, able to reflect on their learning and interventions in young people's lives. Divided into three parts, this core text:provides an understanding of and commitment to the principles of youth work explores how contexts shape youth work demonstrates the core practice skills that are required to make a me.

Cover; Half Title; Title Page; Copyright Page; Table of Contents; List of figures; List of tables; Acknowledgments and dedication; How to use this book; 1 Introduction; What do we mean by youth work?; What makes a good youth worker?; Focus of the book; Part I: Principles; 2 Preparation for practice learning; Introduction; Professional formation; Preparing for practice; Working with supervisors and workplace dynamics; What makes a good supervisor and supervisee?; A professional approach to practice; Conclusion; 3 Locating the self; Introduction; Defining ourselves.

Personal and social identity; Playing a role; Social context; Life experiences; Conclusion; 4 The ethical practitioner; Introduction; Everyday ethics; Ethical codes of conduct; Promoting ethical reflection and dialogue; Conclusion; 5 The informal educator; Introduction; What is informal education?; Using informal education; The challenge of context; Conclusion: towards a blended approach; Part II: Contexts; 6 The community context; Introduction; What is a community?; Focusing on communities of place; Young people and their communities; Understanding and working with the community; Conclusion.

7 The policy and organisat…