The Theory of Youth Work

The Theory of Youth Work

Part A
Describe the aims of youth work. What national and local policies and guidance shape youth work? Give brief summary of each law that influences how youth work is delivered. How is your own service influenced by these laws, policies and guidance?

  The aims of youth work are to contribute to the personal and social development and economic well-being of young people within society. The key purposes are to help young people develop skills to relate effectively with others and to be effective members of groups in which they live and work. It aims to facilitate and empower the voice of young people and encourage and enable them to influence the environment they live in. It’s a non-formal educational process to promote participation, invite social commitment and enable them to fulfil their potential.
The way youth work is delivered can be influenced by laws, policies and guidance that affect young people. For example;
The National Occupational Standards for Youth Work
The Youth Work National Occupational Standards (NOS) is a national guidance to define the standards of performance and knowledge required in youth work practice across the UK, with the Youth Work Values being the core to all youth work. The values describe the expected approach to youth work, with the expectation that all those working with young people will work within these values. The values are outlines as, Participation and active involvement, Equity, diversity and inclusion, Partnership with young people and others, and Personal, social and political development.
My placement at FACE Filton is influenced by these standards to ensure each employee is informed of the job description, and skills or improvements needed that can support the individuals professional and continuous development.
The National Conventions on the rights of the child
This is a legally-binding international agreement consisting of 54 articles that set out the civil, political,...