Youth Work: Histories, Policy and Contexts

This accessible resource will enable readers to understand their own youth work in the light of the discussions of youth work history and current contentious policies. It is offered by a breadth of writers with a range of political perspective who are all at the heart of current youth work practice and education.' - Jean Hatton, Senior Lecturer, University of Huddersfield, UK

This introduction to youth work presents important questions facing the field by exploring both the history of youth work practice and its contemporary contexts. Drawing on work by established and newer voices in the field, the book reviews how the profession has evolved offering a fresh and relevant overview of the field.

Youth work is a means of promoting learning, equality and inclusion with young people. It is an incredibly rewarding profession; however, state regulation means that youth work students and practitioners must continuously wrestle with the challenges of contemporary practice in environments that are complex and changing.

This book brings together a collection of voices to speak to these concerns. Drawing on the history of the profession, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of policy and practice. Chapters explore the impact of New Labour; the changes that came with the coalition government; youth work in the voluntary sector, and youth work in a digital world. Graham Bright concludes with a powerful reflection on what the future holds for the profession. Each chapter features 'Over to You' activity boxes which invite readers to engage collaboratively in developing and applying ideas, with case studies which link discussion to real life examples.

This is an important book for students, practitioners and lecturers in the field of youth and community work and related practice with children and young people.